Biodegradable polymers and composites with shape memory: a mini review

Abstract

Since their inherent properties, polymers and polymer-based materials have become superior end-use materials as material technology has advanced. When exposed to microorganisms, aerobic and anaerobic processes, biodegradable polymers' chemical and physical properties deteriorate and total breakdown. These natural degradable polymers can be obtained from renewable sources and improved through blending and composite forming techniques, yielding new blends with high efficiency, strength, and processability properties. A discovery in biodegradable polymers is their extraordinary ability to be stimulated by temperature, known as a thermal sensitive shape memory polymer (SMP). As a result, the development of biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and poly(1,8-octanediol-glycerol-1,12-dodecanedioate) (POGDA) blends and composites with other reinforcing fillers will be reviewed in this article.