New thermoplastic poly(ester–ether) elastomers with enhanced mechanical properties derived from long-chain dicarboxylic acid for medical device applications†

Abstract

Recent advances in medical plastics highlight the need for sustainable materials with desirable elastic properties. Traditional polyester elastomers have been used as alternatives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to their biocompatibility and adjustable mechanical properties. However, these materials often lack the necessary stability and toughness for reliable medical applications. To address these issues, this study introduces renewable 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (DA) to create a copolymer with diols, resulting in a structure akin to polyolefins. This innovative approach significantly enhances toughness by regulating chain segment lengths and integrates high performance with sustainability. The resulting bio-based elastomer exhibits remarkable biocompatibility and elastic recovery (69.0%). This work represents a significant advancement in the development of eco-friendly materials suitable for medical device applications, with potential implications for tissue engineering and other healthcare technologies.