Glass Transitions in Polylactides

The review focuses on the relationship between the structure and the glass transition temperature in polylactide and its derivatives. Simple design rules for controlling the glass transition temperature are developed and illustrated using examples from homopolymers, copolymers, and polymers derived from AB glycolide monomers. These materials have important applications as structural materials and in biomedical applications for drug delivery, surgical fixtures, and as scaffolds for tissue growth.

Keywords:

• glass transition
• glycolide
• lactide
• polylactic acid
• polylactide