Shape memory effect of thermal-responsive nano-hydroxyapatite reinforced poly-D-L-lactide composites with porous structure

Porous, thermal-responsive shape memory composites, PDLLA/nano-HAp, were prepared by a newly developed polymer coagulation, particulate leaching, and cold compression moulding technique. The inclusion of nano-HAp to PDLLA led to a higher shape memory transition temperature, improved mechanical strength and larger recovery force as compared with the neat PDLLA. The nanocomposite with 10 wt% of nano-HAp exhibited the best shape fixity and recoverability with the shortest recovery time. Further increase in the filler content of nano-HAp would reduce the recovery force and prolong the recovery time due to restriction in the movement of the amorphous PDLLA chain segments. The morphologies, thermal properties and shape memory behavior were measured by scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, dynamic mechanical analysis, physical bending test and cyclic thermo-mechanical test. These results provide important information for designing biomedical devices using this novel type of bioabsorbable shape memory polymer composite.