Supporting Data for High Performance Star Block Aliphatic Polyester Thermoplastic Elastomers using PDLA-b-PLLA Stereoblock Hard Domains

Abstract

These files contain primary data along with associated output from instrumentation supporting all results reported in "High Performance Star Block Aliphatic Polyester Thermoplastic Elastomers using PDLA-b-PLLA Stereoblock Hard Domains" by Liffland et al. Star block (ABC)4 terpolymers consisting of a rubbery poly(γ-methyl-ε-caprolactone) (PγMCL) (C) core and hard poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) (B) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) (A) end-blocks with varying PDLA to PLLA block ratios were explored as high-performance, sustainable, aliphatic polyester thermoplastic elastomers (APTPEs). The stereocomplexation of the PDLA/PLLA blocks within the hard domains provided the APTPEs with enhanced thermal stability and an increased resistance to permanent deformation compared to non-stereocomplex analogs. Variations in the PDLA:PLLA block ratio yielded tunable mechanical properties likely due to differences in the extent and location of stereocomplex crystallite formation as a result of architectural constraints. This work highlights the improvements in mechanical performance due to stereocomplexation within the hard domains of these APTPEs and the tunable nature of the hard domains to significantly impact material properties, furthering the development of sustainable materials that are competitive with current industry standard materials.