Prediction and characterization of biodegradable baroplastics with low temperature processability

Interest in biodegradable and biologically-derived materials has prompted substantial research into polyesters like poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA). Although more environmentally benign than conventional thermoplastics, these still require elevated processing temperatures which cause their degradation and preclude their use as matrices for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutics. Here we report on a new class of biodegradable block copolymer, consisting of PLA and one low Tg polyester, that exhibits `baroplastic' behavior. The copolymer components were selected using a compressible blend model to undergo pressure-induced miscibility, allowing their compression molding at temperatures as low as 35$^{o}$C.