Compatibilised and toughened of PLA/PCL blends via modified-chitosan linking amorphous regions: 4D printing and shape memory processes

Abstract

It is valuable research to improve the compatibility and toughness of PLA/PCL blends while endowing them with shape memory & 4D printing capability. In this work, lactic acid/caprolactone-modified chitosan (mCS) was used to connect the amorphous region of PLA and PCL to achieve compatibilisation, toughening and 4D printing shape memory ability. The effects of different mCS additions on the morphology, crystalline behaviour, and thermal properties of PLA/PCL blends were observed to study the mechanism of compatibilisation and toughening. Adding 0.5 g mCS into 10 g PLA/PCL blends had the best compatibilisation and toughening effect. At the same time, the blends with this addition ratio had the best shape memory performance after 4D printing. The shape fixity and shape memory ratios of the 4D printing model were as high as 100% and 94.5%, respectively. This work provides a new way to fabricate biomedical devices and bionic components with 4D printing.

Keywords

• Shape memory
• 4D printing
• Compatibility
• Toughness
• Biodegradable
• Chitosan