Upscaling the synthesis of biodegradable multiblock copolymers capable of a shape-memory effect

Thermoplastic, phase-segregated multiblock copolymers (MBC) with shape-memory capability consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) switching segments and poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO) or poly(ω-pentadecalactone) (PPD) hard segments were prepared on a scale of several kilograms following a newly developed upscaling procedure. Dihydroxytelechelic poly(ether)esters were coupled by an aliphatic diisocyanate gaining products of sufficiently high molecular weights. The obtained biodegradable MBC exhibited good elastic properties and a shape-memory effect (SME) with a switching temperature (T (sw)) around body temperature. The yield of the synthesis could be improved and reaction time reduced, while mechanical and shape-memory properties were not affected. These multifunctional materials, which are now available in a larger scale have a high application potential as smart implant materials especially for minimally invasive surgery.