Properties and hydrolysis of PLGA and PLLA cross-linked with electron beam radiation

Radiation has been used as a processing tool to modify the properties of polymers. The aim of this study is to understand how electron beam radiation, together with pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PTTA) as a tetra-functional monomer, can alter the properties (i.e. thermal and mechanical) and hydrolysis rates of PLGA and PLLA. The effects of radiation dose and PFM concentration on the physical properties of the polymers were investigated. The results showed that upon irradiation PLGA and PLLA cross-linked, and an increased in gel content was observed. Glass transition temperature (T_g) and mechanical properties of the polymers also increased. Cross-linked PLGA and PLLA samples were found to retard hydrolytic degradation. The mechanical properties of these polymers were also unaffected by hydrolysis. In summary, PLGA and PLLA cross-linked with PTTA were found to have enhanced mechanical properties and were able to retard hydrolytic degradation.