Output details

Employing a novel bioelastomer to toughen polylactide

This output from the RCUK supported Science Bridges China collaborations, again with leading researchers from Beijing University of Chemical Technology (led by Prof Liqun Zhang), plus Australia, results from our co-operations in two strategic areas: (i) resource efficiency of materials, via the first reported use of a novel biocompatible elastomer from biomass (see Adv Eng Mat paper), to toughen biodegradable, biocompatible polylactides, and (ii) advanced materials for healthcare – where PLAs are of great interest for implants including tissue fixations. Polylactides, are brittle, hence the novel, significant, controllable toughening achieved will extend their biomedical- and other potential engineering - applications.