Methods and compositions comprising degradable polylactic acid polymer blends

Abstract

Certain degradable polymers may not have the physical and mechanical properties desired for widespread use. For example, polylactide or polylactic acid polymers may be brittle after being formed into a desired product, and such products may break upon severe impact. Therefore, there is a need for degradable polymers that are easily used in consumer products that are less susceptible to breakage. Polylactic acid polymer blend compositions and methods of making and using such compositions are disclosed herein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 008,385, entitled "METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING DEGRADABLE POLYMER BLENDS," filed April 10, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The present disclosure relates to polylactic acid polymer blend compositions comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer and at least one multiaxial polymer, and combinations thereof, and methods of making and using such compositions, particularly for medical devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0002] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-050565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Many polymeric plastic materials used in the manufacture of consumer products are non-degradable and may persist in the environment long after the product's useful life. This has led to an increase in the use of degradable polymers. Certain degradable polymers may not possess the physical and mechanical properties desired for widespread use. For example, polylactide or polylactic acid polymers may become brittle after being formed into a desired product, causing the product to break upon severe impact. Therefore, there is a need for degradable polymers that can be easily used in consumer products that are resistant to destruction. Polymer blends and polymer additives can be used to modify the physical properties of degradable polymers. The present disclosure provides degradable compositions related to products and methods that meet this need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Thus, the present disclosure provides polylactic acid polymer blend compositions, articles made therefrom, and methods of making and forming articles. The polylactic acid polymer blend compositions may include polylactic acid polymers and copolymers, and may include amorphous polylactic acid polymers and semicrystalline polylactic acid polymers. In one embodiment, the amorphous polylactic acid polymer may include D,L lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may include L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer can contain at least 80% of either D-lactide or L-lactide residues, with the remaining composition of the polylactic acid polymer being derived from one or more lactone or carbonate ring structure monomers, which may include residues of glycolide, trimethylene carbonate, dioxanone, D-lactide, L-lactide, δ-valarectone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, or ε-caprolactone, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains at least about 90% L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains at least about 95% L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer can be a blend of poly-L-lactide and poly-D-lactide. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains about 90-97% L-lactide residues, with D-lactide residues comprising the remainder of the polymer composition.

[0005] A polylactic acid polymer blend composition includes a polymer blend that includes at least one composition comprising a polylactic acid polymer and at least one composition comprising a multiaxial polymer. As used herein, a polylactic acid polymer blend composition includes at least two polymer compositions, one comprising a polylactic acid polymer and one comprising a multiaxial polymer, that are combined, blended, or mixed to form a polymer blend of the two polymer compositions. In one aspect, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may include a phase-separated composition portion. In one aspect, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition exhibits no phase separation among the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition are homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the components are not homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition are homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition but are phase-separated. In one aspect, the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition are homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition but are not phase-separated. In one aspect, the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition are not homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition but are phase-separated. In one aspect, the components of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition are not homogeneous throughout the polylactic acid polymer blend composition but are not phase-separated. The compositions disclosed herein may be referred to interchangeably as polylactic acid polymer compositions or polylactic acid polymer blend compositions. Those skilled in the art will understand whether blends or individual polymer compositions are meant.

[0006] In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may be degradable. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may be partially degradable. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may be transesterified. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may be partially transesterified. In one embodiment, articles made with the disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend compositions, including but not limited to polymers, fibers, meshes, films, articles, or three-dimensional structures, may have characteristics that differ from articles made with the individual polymer blend components, such as similar polylactic acid polymer articles. For example, the impact strength of articles made with the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may be greater than articles made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can include from about 1 to about 10% (mol) of L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. The polylactic acid polymers used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may have a molecular weight ranging from about 50,000 g / mol to about 750,000 g / mol. The semi-crystalline polylactic acid polymers used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may have a melting temperature (Tm) ranging from about 145°C to about 185°C. The polylactic acid polymers used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from about 45°C to about 70°C. The polylactic acid polymers may have a melt flow index (MFI) (210°C / 2.16 kg) of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 100 g / 10 min. The polylactic acid polymers may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 45°C to about 70°C.

[0007] The multiaxial degradable block copolymer may include a hydroxyl-based initiator, including triethanolamine, trimethylolpropane, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, pentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, di(trimethylolpropane), 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol, glycerol, glucose, 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, triisopropanolamine, 1-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-propanol, or 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol. The multiaxial polymers disclosed herein may be polymers that are random or block copolymers of polyesters, polyacrylates, polyvinyl polymers, polyethers, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polysiloxanes, or combinations thereof. The optionally degradable multiaxial polymers disclosed herein may be block copolymers. For example, multiaxial block polymers are block copolymers having at least one first block and a second block derived from a central initiator. In one embodiment, the first block is amorphous. The first block may contain residues including, but not limited to, ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, or D,L-lactide. Other monomers that can be used as part of the first block include, but are not limited to, p-dioxanone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one embodiment, amorphous blocks containing the above monomer residues will comprise less than 40% (mol) of the first block. In one embodiment, the second block of the multiaxial block polymer can be semi-crystalline. Semi-crystalline second blocks include, but are not limited to, residues of p-dioxanone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. These monomer residues can comprise more than about 60% (molar) of the second block. Other monomers that can be used as part of the second block include, but are not limited to, ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, or D,L-lactide. The multiaxially degradable polymers disclosed herein may comprise residues of ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. The multiaxial polymers disclosed herein can be degradable polymers. The multiaxial degradable polymers disclosed herein may be degradable polymers that are polyesters, polyacrylates, polyvinyl-based polymers, polyethers, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polysiloxanes, or random copolymers that are combinations thereof.

[0008] The disclosed multiaxial polymers may have a molecular weight greater than about 20,000 Daltons. The disclosed multiaxial polymers may have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 0.5 dL / g. The disclosed multiaxial polymers may have at least two glass transition temperatures (Tg). In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 10°C higher than the second Tg. The disclosed multiaxial polymers may have a melting temperature (Tm). The melting temperature may range from about 50°C to about 190°C. The disclosed multiaxial polymers may be semi-crystalline and may have a heat of fusion (Hf) as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The heat of fusion of the disclosed multiaxial polymers may be greater than about 0.5 J / g. The disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of 3 g / 10 min to 25 g / 10 min at 165°C / 3.8 kg. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend compositions may comprise greater than about 50% (w / w) polylactic acid and from about 0.5 to about 50% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend compositions may further comprise one or more additives, including, but not limited to, impact modifiers, plasticizers, nucleating agents, clarifiers, reinforcing agents, lubricants, antistatic agents, antioxidants, or combinations thereof.

[0009] A method for making a polylactic acid polymer blend includes: 1) combining a composition comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer with a composition comprising at least one multiaxial polymer to form a polylactic acid polymer blend composition. The method disclosed herein may further include heating the polylactic acid polymer blend composition, which, without wishing to be bound by theory, is believed to transesterify at least a portion of the polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer and the multiaxial polymer. The methods disclosed herein include fabricating an article from the polylactic acid polymer blend composition using known polymer manufacturing methods, such as extrusion or molding, and in one aspect, the impact strength of the article is greater than the impact strength of an article made from a component of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition, such as the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. The present disclosure includes articles formed from the polylactic acid polymer blend compositions disclosed herein. The articles may include consumer products, automotive parts, agricultural products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or veterinary products. Consumer products may include bags, resealable bags, straws, toothbrushes, tableware, drinking cups, glasses or mugs, brushes, food containers, food trays, plates, bowls, food covers, clamshell packages, and combinations and components thereof. Automotive parts may include trim parts, mats, coatings, protective layers, automotive transparency parts, tubing, connectors, or protective coverings. Agricultural articles may include mulch films, stakes, pegs, string, labels, and combinations and components thereof. Medical devices may include meshes, nonwovens, screws, plates, rods, implants, sutures, blades, staples, barbed devices, wound closure devices, bags, wound dressings, splints, stents, syringes, tubing, 3D printed body articles, tissue scaffolds, orthopedic implants, soft tissue implants, and combinations and components thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph of DSC thermograms of PL18 and blend compositions showing significant changes in crystallization with the addition of 5% IM-A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure includes compositions comprising degradable polymers and / or copolymers, as well as methods of making and using such compositions. For example, the degradable compositions of the present invention overcome some of the challenges associated with polylactic acid polymers. Polylactic acid polymers can be molded, extruded, or meltblown to form a variety of shapes and articles. The resulting products often have limited elongation at break and low impact resistance due to the semi-crystalline nature of the polylactic acid polymers used. To overcome these challenges, it has been discovered that the elasticity and impact resistance of polylactic acid polymers can be improved by incorporating one or more multiaxially degradable block copolymers into the polylactic acid polymer. The present disclosure includes polylactic acid polymers and copolymers that can be used in the polylactic acid polymer blend compositions disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, amorphous polylactic acid polymers and semicrystalline polylactic acid polymers. As used herein, polymer and copolymer refer interchangeably to polymeric materials containing monomers, where the monomers may have the same chemical formula (homopolymer) or different chemical formulas (copolymers of two or more monomers). Accordingly, polymer and copolymer may refer to homopolymers or copolymers, respectively. In one aspect, the amorphous polylactic acid polymer may contain D,L lactide residues. In one aspect, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may contain L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may contain at least 80% of either D-lactide or L-lactide residues. The remaining composition of the polylactic acid polymer may be derived from one or more lactone or carbonate ring structure monomers, which may include residues of glycolide, trimethylene carbonate, dioxanone, D-lactide, L-lactide, δ-valalectone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, or ε-caprolactone, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains at least about 90% L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains at least about 95% L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may be a blend of poly-L-lactide and poly-D-lactide. In one embodiment, the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer contains about 90-97% L-lactide residues, with D-lactide residues comprising the remainder of the polymer composition.

[0012] The molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymers disclosed herein can range from about 50,000 g / mol to about 750,000 g / mol. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymers disclosed herein can range from about 100,000 g / mol to about 500,000 g / mol. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymer can be greater than about 100,000 g / mol. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymer is greater than about 200,000 g / mol. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymer is greater than about 300,000 g / mol. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polylactic acid polymer is greater than about 400,000 g / mol. The semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may have a melting temperature (Tm). The Tm of the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer may range from about 145°C to about 185°C. In one embodiment, the Tm may range from about 150°C to about 180°C. In one embodiment, the Tm may range from about 155°C to about 175°C. The polylactic acid polymer may have a glass transition temperature (Tg). The Tg of the polylactic acid polymer may be in the range of about 45°C to about 70°C. In one embodiment, the Tg may be in the range of about 50°C to about 68°C. In one embodiment, the Tg may be in the range of about 55°C to about 67°C. The polylactic acid polymer may have a melt flow index (MFI). The MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) of the polylactic acid polymer may be about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 100 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 4 g / 10 min to about 10 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 10 g / 10 min to about 25 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 25 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 50 g / 10 min to about 75 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 75 g / 10 min to about 100 g / 10 min.

[0013] Multiaxial polymers are polymers initiated at two or more sites on the same initiator. Initiators that can be used to prepare the polymers disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, compounds containing three or more hydroxyl or amine groups. Examples of hydroxyl initiators include, but are not limited to, triethanolamine, trimethylolpropane, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, di(trimethylolpropane), 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol, glycerol, glucose, 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, triisopropanolamine, 1-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-propanol, and 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol. Catalysts that can be used to produce the multiaxial polymers disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, tin-based catalysts, aluminum-based catalysts, zinc-based catalysts, and bismuth-based catalysts. Tin-based catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate. Aluminum-based catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, aluminum isopropoxide and triethylaluminum; zinc-based catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, zinc lactate; and bismuth-based catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, bismuth subsalicylate.

[0014] A multiaxial block polymer is a block copolymer having a first block and a second block originating from a central initiator. In one embodiment, a multiaxial block polymer is a polymer in which each axis originates from a central core and each axis comprises a first block and a second block. In one embodiment, the first block is closest to the central initiator. In one embodiment, the first block is amorphous. The first block comprises residues including, but not limited to, ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, or D,L-lactide. Other monomers that can be used as part of the first block include, but are not limited to, p-dioxanone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one embodiment, in the amorphous block, the above monomer residues may comprise less than 40% (mol) of the first block. In one embodiment, the amorphous first block comprises at least about 50% (mol) of ε-caprolactone residues. In one embodiment, the amorphous first block contains about 60% (mol) ε-caprolactone residues and about 5 to about 40% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues. In one embodiment, the amorphous first block contains about 60% (mol) ε-caprolactone residues and about 24% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues. In one embodiment, the amorphous first block contains about 50% to 60% (mol), about 5% to about 35% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues, and about 5% to about 20% (mol) glycolide residues. In one embodiment, the amorphous first block contains about 60% (mol), about 24% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues, and about 16% (mol) glycolide residues. In one embodiment, the initiator used to synthesize the first portion of the multiaxial polymer is a triol. In one embodiment, the triol is trimethylolpropane. In one embodiment, the catalyst used is a tin catalyst. In one embodiment, the catalyst is tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate or stannous octoate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second block of the multiaxial block polymer is semi-crystalline. Semi-crystalline second blocks include, but are not limited to, residues of p-dioxanone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one embodiment, the above-described monomer residues may comprise greater than about 60% (mol) of the semi-crystalline second block. Other monomers that may be used as part of the second block include, but are not limited to, ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, or D,L-lactide. In one embodiment, the above-described monomer residues may comprise less than 40% (mol) of the semi-crystalline second block. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 50% (mol) of L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 70% (mol) of L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 80% (mol) of L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 50% (mol) of D-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 70% (mol) of D-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 80% to 90% (mol) of L-lactide residues, with glycolide residues forming the remainder of the semi-crystalline second block. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 80% to 90% (mol) of D-lactide residues, with glycolide residues forming the remainder of the semi-crystalline second block. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 80% to 95% (mol) of L-lactide residues, with the remainder of the semi-crystalline second block comprising D-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline second block comprises at least about 90% to 95% (mol) of L-lactide residues, with the remainder of the semi-crystalline second block comprising D-lactide residues.

[0016] The multiaxial polymers disclosed herein can contain residues of ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, p-dioxanone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers contain residues of ε-caprolactone and L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers contain residues of ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, and L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers contain residues of trimethylene carbonate and L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers contain residues of ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, glycolide, and L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can contain at least 30% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise at least about 30% (mol) residues of L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise at least about 30% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone and at least about 30% (mol) residues of L-lactide. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise at least about 30% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone, at least about 30% (mol) residues of L-lactide, and the remainder of the polymer comprises trimethylene carbonate residues. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise at least about 30% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone, at least about 30% (mol) residues of L-lactide, and the remainder of the polymer comprises trimethylene carbonate residues and glycolide residues. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise about 30%-40% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone, about 30%-40% (mol) residues of L-lactide, about 15%-20% (mol) glycolide residues, and about 10%-15% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise about 32%-38% (mol) residues of ε-caprolactone, about 31%-37% (mol) residues of L-lactide, about 14%-20% glycolide residues, and about 10%-15% (mol) trimethylene carbonate residues. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise from about 1% (mol) to about 10% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise from about 10% (mol) to about 20% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise from about 20% (mol) to about 40% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise from about 40% (mol) to about 60% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can comprise from about 60% (mol) to about 80% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can include from about 80% (molar) to about 90% L-lactide, D-lactide, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 20,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 50,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 75,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 100,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 200,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 300,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 400,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 500,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 600,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 700,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a molecular weight greater than about 800,000 daltons.

[0018] The disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 0.5 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 0.75 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 1.0 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 1.25 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 1.50 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 1.75 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) greater than about 2.0 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.0 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) ranging from about 1.0 to about 1.5 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) ranging from about 1.5 to about 2.0 dL / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have an inherent viscosity (IV) ranging from about 1.1 to about 1.7 dL / g.

[0019] The disclosed multiaxial polymers can have at least two glass transition temperatures (Tg). In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 10°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 20°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 30°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 40°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 50°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 70°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 80°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, one Tg is less than 0°C. In one embodiment, the first Tg is greater than about 25°C and the second Tg is less than about 25°C. In one embodiment, the first Tg is greater than about 25°C and the second Tg is less than about 0°C.

[0020] The disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a melting temperature (Tm). The melting temperature can range from about 50°C to about 190°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can range from about 60°C to about 180°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can range from about 70°C to about 150°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 50°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 70°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 90°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 110°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 130°C. In one embodiment, the melting temperature can be greater than about 150°C.

[0021] The disclosed multiaxial polymers can be semi-crystalline and can have a heat of fusion (Hf) as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 0.5 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 1 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 5 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 10 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 20 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 30 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion greater than about 40 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion in a range from about 0.5 J / g to about 30 J / g. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers can have a heat of fusion in a range from about 1 J / g to about 20 J / g.

[0022] The disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 3 g / 10 min to about 25 g / 10 min at 165°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min at 205°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 3 g / 10 min to about 30 g / 10 min at 205°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 60 g / 10 min at 210°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 25 g / 10 min at 210°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 1 g / 10 min to about 20 g / 10 min at 210°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min at 215°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 20 g / 10 min at 215°C / 3.8 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min at 220°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of about 1 g / 10 min to about 20 g / 10 min at 220°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of from about 0.5 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min at 221° C. / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the disclosed multiaxial polymers have a melt flow index of from about 1 g / 10 min to about 20 g / 10 min at 221° C. / 2.16 kg.

[0023] The compositions of the present disclosure comprise a polymer blend of a polylactic acid polymer composition and a multiaxial polymer composition. The polylactic acid polymer blend compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one partially transesterified polymer blend of a polylactic acid polymer composition and a multiaxial polymer composition. Polylactic acid polymers that can be used in the disclosed polymer blend compositions and methods are described herein. Multiaxial polymers that can be used in the disclosed polymer blend compositions and methods are described herein. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that heating a polylactic acid polymer blend composition transesterifies at least a portion of the polymers in the blend composition. This transesterification may be esterification between polylactic acid polymers, between multiaxial polymers, and / or between polylactic acid polymers and multiaxial polymers. In one embodiment, a polymer blend or a mixture of 1) at least an amorphous polylactic acid polymer, a semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer, or a combination thereof, and 2) at least one multiaxial polymer is heated to a temperature that causes transesterification between the at least one amorphous or semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer and the at least one multiaxial polymer to produce a polymer blend composition comprising a transesterified polylactic acid polymer-multiaxial polymer, at least one lactide polymer, and at least one multiaxial polymer. The transesterification step may be carried out as a heated mixing step at a temperature of about 100°C or greater. In another embodiment, the heated mixing step is carried out at a temperature greater than about 130°C. In another embodiment, the heated mixing step is carried out at a temperature greater than about 150°C. In another embodiment, the heated mixing step is carried out at a temperature above about 170° C. In another embodiment, the heated mixing step is carried out at a temperature above about 190° C. The heated mixing step may be carried out in an extruder or a mechanical mixer. An example of a mechanical mixer is a helicone mixer.

[0024] As used herein, a polymer blend or polymer mixture refers to a class of materials similar to metal alloys in which at least two polymers are mixed to create a new material with different physical properties. The terms "polymer blend," "polymer blend composition," and "blend composition" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymer blend of at least two polymers that creates a new material. For example, a polymer blend or blend composition may include a polymer blend of a polylactic acid polymer and a multiaxial polymer disclosed herein, or, for example, a polymer blend or blend composition may include a transesterified polylactic acid-multiaxial polymer, a lactide polymer, and a multiaxial polymer.

[0025] In one embodiment, the disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition comprises at least one polylactic acid polymer and at least one semi-crystalline multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed blend composition comprises at least one amorphous polylactic acid polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises at least one semi-crystalline polylactic acid polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises at least both an amorphous polylactic acid polymer and a semi-crystalline polylactic acid polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 50% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 50% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 60% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 40% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 70% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 30% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 80% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 20% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 90% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 10% (w / w) multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the disclosed polymer blend composition comprises greater than about 95% (w / w) polylactic acid polymer and about 0.5% to about 5% (w / w) multiaxial polymer.

[0026] While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the presence of residual monomers in the disclosed polymer blend compositions may increase the acidity in the polymer blend composition, which may lead to more rapid degradation of the polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the amount of residual monomer may be adjusted to mitigate the impact of degradation on the mechanical properties of the polymer blend composition over time. In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 1% (w / w). In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 0.75% (w / w). In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 0.5% (w / w). In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 0.5% (w / w). In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 0.3% (w / w). In one embodiment, the residual monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 0.2% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomers are present in the polymer blend at less than about 1% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomer present in the polymer blend is less than about 0.75% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomer present in the polymer blend is less than about 0.5% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomer present in the polymer blend is less than about 0.4% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomer present in the polymer blend is less than about 0.3% (w / w). In one embodiment, the polymer blend comprises residues of L-lactide, and the residual L-lactide monomer present in the polymer blend is less than about 0.2% (w / w).

[0027] To reduce the possibility of phase separation between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer during thermal processing to form the polylactic acid polymer blend composition into various shapes, the melt flow indices of the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer may be within a range where phase separation does not adversely affect the target properties of the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow indices between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 15 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow indices between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 10 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow indices between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 8 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow indices between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 5 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is about 0 g / min to about 5 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is about 0 g / min to about 5 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is about 5 g / min to about 10 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is about 1 g / min to about 15 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is about 15 g / min to about 20 g / min at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 200% at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 150% at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 100% at 210°C / 2.16 kg. In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 50% at 210°C / 2.16 kg.In one embodiment, the difference in melt flow index between the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer is less than about 25% at 210° C. / 2.16 kg.

[0028] The polylactic acid polymer blend composition may have a melt flow index (MFI). The MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 1 g / 10 min to about 100 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 4 g / 10 min to about 10 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 10 g / 10 min to about 25 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 25 g / 10 min to about 50 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 50 g / 10 min to about 75 g / 10 min. In one embodiment, the MFI (210°C / 2.16 kg) may be about 75 g / 10 min to about 100 g / 10 min.

[0029] The polylactic acid polymer blend composition may have at least two glass transition temperatures (Tg). In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 10°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 20°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 30°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 40°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 50°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 70°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, the first Tg is at least about 80°C higher than the second Tg. In one embodiment, one Tg is below 0°C. In one embodiment, the first Tg is above about 25°C and the second Tg is below about 25°C. In one embodiment, the first Tg is greater than about 25°C and the second Tg is less than about 0°C.

[0030] By incorporating at least one multiaxially degradable block copolymer composition into a polylactic acid polymer blend composition, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition or an article made therefrom ("polylactic acid polymer blend composition article") may have properties that differ from those of the polylactic acid polymer composition alone or similar articles made therefrom. These properties may include, but are not limited to, melt viscosity, elongation at break, Young's modulus, yield stress, yield strain, elongation at yield, break stress, break strain, durometer, melt flow index, glass transition temperature, latent heat of crystallization, peak crystallization temperature, latent heat of fusion, peak melting temperature, impact resistance, fracture resistance, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of toughness. In one embodiment, the elongation at break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) may be higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elongation at break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) is about 5 to about 10% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elongation to break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) is about 10 to about 20% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elongation to break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) is about 20 to about 30% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elongation to break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) is about 30 to about 40% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elongation to break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article (e.g., polymer) is more than about 40% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0031] In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be less than or equal to that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the Young's modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0032] In one embodiment, the yield stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be less than or equal to that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a yield stress that is about 30 to about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a yield stress that is more than about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0033] In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be less than or equal to that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40% lower than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is within a range of about -20 to about 20% of the yield elongation of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield elongation of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is within a range of about -10 to about 10% of the yield elongation of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0034] In one embodiment, the yield strain at break (strain at break) of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 40 to about 100% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 100 to about 200% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 200 to about 400% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the yield strain of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 400% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0035] In one embodiment, the break stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be equal to or less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the break stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the break stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the break stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the break stress of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a stress at break that is about 30 to about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a stress at break that is more than about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0036] In one embodiment, the durometer of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be equal to or less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. The lower the durometer, the softer the material. In one embodiment, the durometer of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the durometer of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the durometer of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the durometer of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the durometer of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the durometer of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40 Shore less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0037] In one embodiment, the impact resistance at break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact resistance of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0038] In one embodiment, the puncture resistance at break of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the blend. In one embodiment, the puncture resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the puncture resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the puncture resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the puncture resistance of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a puncture resistance that is about 30 to about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article has a puncture resistance that is greater than about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0039] The toughness of a material is related to the area under the stress-strain curve of that material. The toughness modulus is calculated as the area under the stress-strain curve to the point of failure. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% greater than that of a similar article made from the semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 40 to about 100% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 100 to about 200% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 200 to about 400% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the toughness modulus of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 400% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0040] The elastic energy modulus is the maximum energy that can be absorbed per unit volume without permanent deformation. It can be calculated by integrating the stress-strain curve from zero to the elastic limit. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article can be less than or equal to that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the elastic energy modulus of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40% less than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article disclosed herein can be greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20 to about 30% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30 to about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the impact strength of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is more than about 40% greater than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0041] While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that blending a polylactic acid polymer with a multiaxial polymer allows for alignment of the multiaxial polymer chains with the polylactic acid chains, resulting in improved crystallization of the blend polymer compared to the polylactic acid polymer. This improved crystallization can be evidenced by an increased heat of fusion (ΔH(Tm)). In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of a polymer blend composition, or the heat of fusion of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article comprising a polylactic acid polymer composition and a multiaxial polymer composition, is higher than the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the blend, or a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the blend, respectively. In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 0 to about 5% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of a polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 0 to about 5% higher than that of a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 5 to about 10% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 5 to about 10% higher than that of a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 10 to about 20% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 10 to about 20% higher than that of a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 20% to about 30% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 20% to about 30% higher than that of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 30% to about 40% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 30% to about 40% higher than that of a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend. In one embodiment, the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is about 40% higher than that of the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend, or the heat of fusion of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is about 40% higher than that of a similar article made with the polylactic acid polymer composition used to prepare the polymer blend.

[0042] Polylactic acid polymer blend compositions ("polymer blends") comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer composition and at least one multiaxial polymer composition may further comprise one or more additives. The additives may include, but are not limited to, an amorphous multiaxial polymer, an amorphous diblock copolymer, an amorphous triblock copolymer, a semi-crystalline diblock polymer, a semi-crystalline triblock polymer, an amorphous multiblock copolymer, a semi-crystalline multiblock copolymer, a random copolymer, a second polymer, an impact modifier, a plasticizer, a colorant, a dye, a nucleating agent, a clarifier, a reinforcing agent, a UV stabilizer, a compatibilizer, an osteoconductive additive, a lubricant, an antistatic agent, or an antioxidant. The additive may comprise from 0.1% (w / w) to about 50% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 0.1% (w / w) to about 2% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 2% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 10% (w / w) to about 20% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 20% (w / w) to about 30% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 30% (w / w) to about 40% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. In one embodiment, the additive may comprise from about 40% (w / w) to about 50% (w / w) of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition.

[0043] Amorphous multiaxial polymers can include, but are not limited to, polymers containing at least one or more residues of the following monomers: ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide, such that the polymer is amorphous and does not have a distinct melting point. Examples of amorphous multiaxial polymers include, but are not limited to, polycaprolactone triol (CAS No. 37625-56-2), triethanolamine-initiated polymers containing glycolide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone residues. In one embodiment, the ε-caprolactone residues can comprise greater than about 50% (mol) of the amorphous multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, the ε-caprolactone residues can comprise greater than about 60% (mol) of the amorphous multiaxial polymer. In one embodiment, trimethylene carbonate residues can comprise from about 10 to about 50 mol% of the amorphous multiaxial polymer, hi one embodiment, trimethylene carbonate residues can comprise from about 15 to greater than about 30 mol% of the amorphous multiaxial polymer.

[0044] Amorphous diblock polymers can include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising residues of at least one or more of the following monomers: ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide, such that the polymer is amorphous and does not have a distinct melting point. In one embodiment, the amorphous diblock polymer can comprise a block comprising residues of D,L-lactide and a block comprising residues of trimethylene carbonate. In one embodiment, the amorphous diblock polymer can comprise a first block comprising residues of D,L-lactide and a second block comprising residues of trimethylene carbonate and ε-caprolactone.

[0045] Semi-crystalline diblock polymers can include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising residues of at least one or more of the following monomers: ε-caprolactone, δ-valalactone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide, such that the polymer has an amorphous component and a crystalline component. The semi-crystalline diblock polymer can further comprise polyethylene glycol in one of the blocks. In one aspect, the semi-crystalline diblock polymer can comprise a first block comprising residues of D-lactide or L-lactide and a second block comprising residues of trimethylene carbonate, ε-caprolactone, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a semi-crystalline diblock polymer can include a first block containing residues of the monomers L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, and a second block containing residues of the monomers L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, with the ratio of the monomers in the first block being different from the ratio of the monomers in the second block. In one embodiment, the first block contains about 20% to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate. In one embodiment, the first block contains about 20% to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate and about 40% to about 60% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the first block comprises about 20% to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate, 40% to about 60% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone, and the remainder L-lactide. In one embodiment, the first block comprises about 30% to about 40% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate, 45% to about 55% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone, and the remainder L-lactide. In one embodiment, the second block can comprise about 70% to about 100% (mol percent) L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the second block can comprise about 70% to about 98% (mol percent) L-lactide residues and about 2% to 30% trimethylene carbonate residues.In one embodiment, the second block can comprise about 70% to about 98% (mol percent) L-lactide residues, about 2% to 30% trimethylene carbonate residues, and the remainder can be ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the second block can comprise about 85% to about 95% (mol percent) L-lactide residues, about 5% to 15% trimethylene carbonate residues, and the remainder can be ε-caprolactone residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline diblock polymer can comprise residues of L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, with the residues of L-lactide comprising about 65% to about 85% (mol percent) of the polymer's composition. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline diblock polymer can comprise residues of L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, with the residues of L-lactide comprising about 65% to about 8% (mol percent) of the polymer's composition, and the residues of trimethylene carbonate comprising about 10% to about 20% (mol percent) of the polymer's composition. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline diblock polymer can comprise a first block comprising residues of D-lactide or L-lactide and a second block comprising polyethylene glycol. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline diblock polymer can include a first block comprising polyethylene glycol and a second block comprising trimethylene carbonate residues, ε-caprolactone residues, or a combination thereof.

[0046] Semi-crystalline triblock polymers can include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising at least one or more residues of the following monomers: ε-caprolactone, δ-valalactone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide, such that the polymer has an amorphous component and a crystalline component. The semi-crystalline triblock polymer can further comprise polyethylene glycol. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline triblock polymer can comprise a center block comprising polyethylene glycol and two end blocks comprising residues of D-lactide or L-lactide. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline triblock polymer can comprise a center block comprising polyethylene glycol and two end blocks comprising residues of trimethylene carbonate, ε-caprolactone, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a semi-crystalline triblock polymer can include a center block containing residues of the monomers L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, and end blocks containing residues of the monomers L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, with the ratio of monomers in the center block being different from the ratio of monomers in the end blocks. In one embodiment, the center block contains about 20 to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate. In one embodiment, the center block contains about 20 to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate and about 40 to about 60% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the center block contains about 20 to about 50% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate and 40 to about 60% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone, with the remainder being L-lactide. In one embodiment, the center block comprises about 30 to about 40% (mol percent) trimethylene carbonate, 45 to about 55% (mol percent) ε-caprolactone, and the remainder L-lactide. In one embodiment, the end blocks can comprise about 70 to about 100% (mol percent) L-lactide residues. In one embodiment, the end blocks can comprise about 70 to about 98% (mol percent) L-lactide residues and about 2 to 30% trimethylene carbonate residues.In one embodiment, the endblocks can comprise about 70 to about 98% (mol percent) L-lactide residues, about 2 to 30% trimethylene carbonate residues, and the remainder being ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the endblocks can comprise about 85 to about 95% (mol percent) L-lactide residues, about 5 to 15% trimethylene carbonate residues, and the remainder being ε-caprolactone residues. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline triblock polymer can comprise residues of L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, with the residues of L-lactide comprising about 65% to about 85% (mol percent) of the polymer's composition. In one embodiment, the semi-crystalline triblock can comprise residues of L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and ε-caprolactone, where the residues of L-lactide comprise from about 65% to about 85% (mole percent) of the polymer's composition, and the residues of trimethylene carbonate comprise from about 10% to about 20% (mole percent) of the polymer's composition.

[0047] The random copolymer can include, but is not limited to, polyester, polyacrylate, polyvinyl-based polymer, polyether, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polysiloxane, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, the random copolymer is degradable. In one aspect, the random copolymer can include residues of at least one or more of the following monomers: ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one aspect, the random copolymer includes residues of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone. In one aspect, the random copolymer includes residues of D-lactide and ε-caprolactone. In one aspect, the random copolymer includes residues of L-lactide, D-lactide, and ε-caprolactone. In one embodiment, the random copolymer comprises residues of D,L-lactide and ε-caprolactone.

[0048] The second polymer can be degradable or non-degradable. Degradable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, or combinations thereof. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can include, but are not limited to, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvaleric acid, polyhydroxyoctanoic acid, polyhydroxyhexanoic acid, and copolymers thereof. Polyesters can include polycaprolactone and polydioxanone. Polycarbonates can include poly(trimethylene carbonate). The second polymer can be polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polypropylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Impact modifiers that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein include acrylic core-shell impact modifiers such as Biostrength® 280 (Arkema Inc, Cary, NC, USA), Terratek® Flex (Green Dot Bioplasctics, Emporia, KS, USA), Ecoflex™ (BASF) and Hytrel™ (DuPont), Kraton™ FG1901X (Krayton, Corp., Houston, TX, USA), Blendex™ 415 (Galata chemicals, Southbury, CT, USA), Blendex™ 360, Blendex™ 338, Paraloid™ KM334 (Dow, Midland, MI, USA), Paraloid™ BTA753, Paroloid™ EXL3691A, Paroloid™ EXL2314, Paraloid™ BTA753, Paroloid™ EXL3691A, Paroloid™ EXL2314, Paraloid™ BTA753, Paroloid™ EXL3691B, Paroloid™ EXL2314, Paraloid™ BTA753, Paro ... These may include, but are not limited to, BPM-520, Bionolle™ 3001 (Kaneka, Westerlo, Belgium), Polyvel PLA HD-L01 (Polyvel, Inc., Hammonton, New Jersey, USA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) / butyl acrylate (BA) core-shell impact modifiers, and methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS). Plasticizers that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, citrate esters, polyethylene glycol, adipate esters, epoxidized soybean oil, acetylated coconut oil sold under the trademark "EPZ," linseed oil, acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, triethyl citrate (TEC), tributyl citrate (TBC), acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), cardanol (m-pentadecenylphenol), glycerol triacetate (GTA), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DOA), PLA oligomers (≦n≦10), and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the polyethylene glycol can have a molecular weight of 400 g / mol to 5000 g / mol.

[0050] Nucleating agents that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, orotic acid (OA), potassium salt of 3,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)benzenesulfonate (LAK-301), substituted aryl phosphate salts (TMP-5), talc (TALC), N'1,N'6-dibenzoyladipohydrazide (TMC-306), N1,N1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N2-phenyloxalamide) (OXA), HyperForm HPN68 (Milliken, Inc.), NJSTAR TF-1 (New Japan Chemical Co., Ltd.), PLA nucleating agent 03413 (VIBA SpA), β-cyclodextrin, and combinations thereof. Clarifying agents that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, dimethylbenzylidene sorbitol (DMBS), CAP10 (Polyvel, Inc), CN-L01 (Polyvel, Inc), CN-L03 (Polyvel, Inc), dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS), 1,2,3,4-di-para-methylbenzylidene sorbitol (MDBS), Millad 3988 (Milliken), and combinations thereof. Reinforcing agents that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include fibers, yarn segments, inorganic particles, or organic particles. Fibers and yarn segments can include, but are not limited to, monofilaments or multifilaments. In one aspect, fibers and yarn segments can include one or more degradable polymers. In one aspect, the degradable polymer is a polyester. In one aspect, the polyester includes one or more residues of the monomers ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. In one aspect, the fiber or yarn segment can include a natural fiber or yarn segment. The natural fiber or yarn segment can include, but is not limited to, flax, jute, hemp, bamboo, wood, cellulose, sisal fiber, or a combination thereof. The inorganic particles can include talc, hydroxyapatite, clay, calcium carbonate, bentonite, glass, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Lubricants that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, pentaerythritol stearate, Biostrength 900 (Alkerma Inc), oleic acid, stearic acid, calcium stearate, or combinations thereof. Antistatic agents that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alkylamines, sulfonic acids, sulfonate salts, vinylimidazolium salts, diallylammonium chloride, dimethylammonium chloride, or copolymers containing at least one of alkyl ether sulfate esters, or combinations thereof. Antioxidants that can be used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein can include, but are not limited to, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ferulic acid, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, olive leaf extract, oleuropein, oleuroside, stearyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (antioxidant 1076) or tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite (irgafos 168), quercetin hydrate, ascorbic acid, or combinations thereof.

[0052] The polylactic acid polymer blend composition can be formed, molded, extruded, or otherwise processed into articles having a variety of forms and shapes. Articles include, but are not limited to, polymers, pellets, injection molded articles, extrudates, films, fibers, yarns, tubes, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the yarn can include a monofilament fiber or can be composed of two or more monofilament fibers. In one embodiment, the yarn can be multifilament. In one embodiment, the polylactic acid polymer blend composition can be formed into consumer products, automotive parts, agricultural products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and veterinary products. Consumer products can include, but are not limited to, bags, resealable bags, straws, toothbrushes, tableware, drinking cups, glasses or mugs, brushes, food containers, food trays, plates, bowls, food covers, clamshell packages, and combinations and components thereof. Automotive parts can include trim parts, mats, coatings, protective layers, automotive glazing, tubing, connectors, or protective coverings. Agricultural products may include, but are not limited to, mulch films, stakes, pegs, string, labels, and combinations and components thereof. Medical products may include, but are not limited to, meshes, nonwovens, screws, plates, rods, implants, sutures, blades, staples, barbed devices, wound closure devices, bags, wound dressings, splints, stents, syringes, tubing, 3D printed objects for use in or applied to the body, tissue scaffolds, orthopedic implants, soft tissue implants, and combinations and components thereof. Pharmaceutical products may include, but are not limited to, tablets, subcutaneous implants, intramuscular implants, drug delivery systems, syringes, and combinations and components thereof.

[0053] Products, components, or articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend compositions may be manufactured using extrusion, solution casting, injection molding, electrospinning, meltblowing, knitting, weaving, braiding, stamping, die cutting, or a combination of one or more of these methods, as known to those skilled in the art. Products, components, or articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend compositions can be sterile. Polylactic acid polymer blend compositions, including polylactic acid polymer blend compositions, can be sterilized by autoclaving, exposure to ionizing radiation such as gamma or electron beam radiation, dry heat sterilization, washing with solvents such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, aseptic manufacturing, exposure to an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, exposure to ethylene oxide, and combinations thereof. Disclosed herein are polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising a polylactic acid polymer blend composition comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer composition and at least one multiaxial polymer composition, wherein the article exhibits improved impact resistance compared to the impact resistance of a similar article made from the polylactic acid polymer composition of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition. Disclosed are articles wherein at least the polylactic acid polymer composition or the multiaxial polymer composition comprises a degradable polymer. Disclosed are articles wherein the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is at least partially transesterified. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may comprise greater than about 50% (w / w) of the polylactic acid composition and about 0.5% to about 50% (w / w) of the multiaxial polymer composition. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may further comprise one or more additives, which may include impact modifiers, plasticizers, nucleating agents, clarifiers, reinforcing agents, lubricants, antistatic agents, antioxidants, or combinations thereof.

[0054] The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may include a multiaxial polymer comprising a hydroxyl-based initiator including triethanolamine, trimethylolpropane, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, pentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, di(trimethylolpropane), 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol, glycerol, glucose, 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, triisopropanolamine, 1-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-propanol, or 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may include a multiaxial polymer that is a block copolymer. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may comprise a multiaxial polymer comprising residues of ε-caprolactone, δ-valalectone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may comprise a multiaxial polymer that is amorphous. The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles comprising the polylactic acid polymer blend composition may comprise a random or block copolymer that is a polyester, polyacrylate, polyvinyl-based polymer, polyether, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polysiloxane, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles can include consumer products, automotive parts, agricultural products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or veterinary products. Consumer products can be bags, resealable bags, straws, toothbrushes, tableware, drinking cups, glasses or mugs, brushes, food containers, food trays, plates, bowls, food covers, clamshell packages, and combinations and components thereof. Automotive parts can be trim parts, mats, coatings, protective layers, automotive clear parts, tubing, connectors, or protective coverings. Agricultural products can be mulch films, stakes, pegs, string, labels, and combinations and components thereof. Medical devices can be meshes, nonwovens, screws, plates, rods, implants, sutures, blades, staples, barbed devices, wound closure devices, bags, wound dressings, splints, stents, syringes, tubing, 3D printed body parts, tissue scaffolds, orthopedic implants, soft tissue implants, and combinations and components thereof. The present disclosure discloses a method for making a polylactic acid polymer blend composition, comprising: 1) mixing a composition comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer with a composition comprising at least one multiaxial polymer to form a polylactic acid polymer blend composition. The method for making a polylactic acid polymer blend composition may further comprise heating the polylactic acid polymer blend composition to transesterify at least a portion of the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer. A method for making a disclosed polylactic acid polymer blend composition article comprising a polylactic acid polymer blend composition may comprise extruding or molding the polylactic acid polymer blend composition into a desired shape or form. Disclosed herein are polylactic acid polymer blend composition articles or compositions and articles produced by the disclosed methods for making polylactic acid polymer blend compositions. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0056] Illustrative Embodiments The following numbered embodiments are presented, but are merely exemplary and are not intended to be exhaustive of the embodiments provided in the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein. 1. A polylactic acid polymer blend composition comprising a degradable semi-crystalline polymer and a degradable multiaxial polymer, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises more than about 50% (w / w) of the polymer blend. 2. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 1, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer is a semi-crystalline polylactic acid polymer. 3. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 1 and / or 2, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises L-lactide residues. 4. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 1 and / or 2, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises D-lactide residues. 5. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises greater than 80% (molar) L-lactide residues. 6. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises greater than 90% (molar) L-lactide residues. 7. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 1 and / or 2, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises greater than 80% (molar) D-lactide residues. 8. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 1 and / or 2, wherein the degradable semi-crystalline polymer comprises greater than 90% (molar) D-lactide residues. 9. A polylactic acid polymer blend composition comprising a degradable amorphous polylactic acid polymer and a degradable multiaxial polymer, wherein the degradable amorphous polylactic acid polymer comprises more than about 50% (w / w) of the polymer blend. 10. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of embodiment 9, wherein the degradable amorphous polylactic acid polymer comprises D,L-lactide residues. 11. A polylactic acid polymer blend composition comprising a degradable amorphous polylactic acid polymer, a semi-crystalline polylactic acid polymer, and a degradable multiaxial polymer, wherein the polylactic acid polymer comprises more than about 50% (w / w) of the blend. 12. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the degradable multiaxial polymer comprises a block copolymer having a first block and a second block. 13. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the degradable multiaxial polymer has two or more glass transition temperatures. 14. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the degradable multiaxial polymer has a first glass transition temperature and a second glass transition temperature, the first glass transition temperature being higher than the second glass transition temperature. 15. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the first glass transition temperature is greater than 25°C and the second glass transition temperature is less than 25°C. 16. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the first glass transition temperature is greater than 25°C and the second glass transition temperature is less than 0°C. 17. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the first block comprises at least 30% (mol) of residues of ε-caprolactone. 18. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the first block comprises at least 30% (mol) of residues of L-lactide. 19. The polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the blend is a transesterified blend. 20. An article made from the polylactic acid polymer blend composition of any one of embodiments 1-19. [Example]

[0057] Example 1 Preparation of impact modifier IM-A Impact modifier polymer IM-A was prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,075,612. Specifically, impact modifier polymer IM-A was prepared by ring-opening polymerization of a first triaxial polymer segment initiated with triethanolamine and reacted with glycolide, ε-caprolactone, and trimethylene carbonate using tin octoate (SnOct) catalyst. The second segment was polymerized onto the first segment by adding L-lactide and glycolide using SnOct catalyst. The composition of the polymer based on the starting monomers was approximately 35% ε-caprolactone, approximately 34% L-lactide, approximately 17% glycolide, and approximately 14% trimethylene carbonate. The prepared polymer was ground using a rotary mill and classified to a particle size of approximately 1 to approximately 4 mm using a vibrating sieve process. A portion of the ground polymer was purified using a Buchi funnel evaporator under reduced pressure and elevated temperature to remove unreacted monomer residues to levels below 2% as determined by gas chromatography, and a portion of the polymer was then vacuum dried to remove residual moisture to below 700 ppm and stored under an inert atmosphere.

[0058] Example 2 Preparation of impact modifier IM-B Impact modifier polymer IM-B was prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,075,612. Specifically, impact modifier polymer IM-B was prepared by ring-opening polymerization of a first triaxial polymer segment initiated with triethanolamine and reacted with ε-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate using SnOct catalyst. The second segment was polymerized onto the first segment by adding L-lactide using SnOct catalyst. The composition of the polymer based on the starting monomers was approximately 35% ε-caprolactone, approximately 51% L-lactide, and approximately 14% trimethylene carbonate. The prepared polymer was ground using a rotary mill and classified to a particle size of approximately 1 to approximately 4 mm using a vibrating sieve process. A portion of the ground polymer was purified using a Buchi funnel evaporator under reduced pressure and elevated temperature to remove unreacted monomer residues to a level of less than 2% as determined by gas chromatography. A portion of the polymer is then vacuum dried to remove residual moisture to less than 700 ppm and stored under an inert atmosphere.

[0059] Example 3 Preparation of Polymer B Polymer B was prepared by ring-opening polymerization of a first linear polymer segment initiated with propanediol and reacted with l-lactide, ε-caprolactone, and trimethylene carbonate using SnOct catalyst. The second segment was polymerized onto the first segment by adding l-lactide, ε-caprolactone, and trimethylene carbonate using SnOct catalyst. The composition of the polymer based on the starting monomers was approximately 8% ε-caprolactone, approximately 76% l-lactide, and approximately 14% trimethylene carbonate. The polymer was ground using a rotary mill and classified using a vibrating sieve process to obtain particle sizes ranging from 1 to approximately 4 mm. A portion of the ground polymer was purified using a Buchi funnel evaporator under reduced pressure and elevated temperature to remove unreacted monomer residues to a level of less than 2% as determined by gas chromatography. A portion of the polymer was then vacuum-dried to remove residual moisture to less than 700 ppm and stored under an inert atmosphere.

[0060] Example 4 Preparation of unmodified and impact-modified monofilaments Polylactic acid polymer (NatureWorks Ingeo 2003D) is a general-purpose grade PLA specified for typical applications, including food packaging. All samples were extruded in a 1.27 cm (1 / 2 inch) single-screw extruder equipped with a simple tapered screw and a 2.5 mm single-hole die with a 24:1 compression ratio. The polymers were first dried individually under vacuum in an inert atmosphere to low moisture content. The dried polymers were then blended in the mass ratios listed in Table 6, and the samples were mixed to disperse minor components. The polymers and polymer blends were fed into the extruder under a nitrogen purge to maintain dryness and extruded as monofilaments. The monofilaments exiting the extrusion die were first quenched with forced air in two zones and collected on a spool in long lengths. All extrudates were collected as monofilaments with diameters ranging from approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 1.5 mm. The extrudates were stored under a dry, inert atmosphere.

[0061] Example 5 Blend Preparation Polylactic acid polymer (NatureWorks Ingeo 2003D) is a general-purpose grade PLA specified for typical applications, including food packaging. All samples are extruded in a 1.27 cm (1 / 2 inch) single-screw extruder equipped with a simple tapered screw and a 2.5 mm single-hole die with a 24:1 compression ratio. The polymers are dried individually under vacuum in an inert atmosphere to a low moisture content. The dried polymers are weighed and mixed. The mixture is fed to the extruder under a nitrogen purge to maintain dryness and extruded as monofilaments. The monofilaments exiting the extrusion die are quenched with forced air in two zones and collected on a long spool. All extrudates are collected as monofilaments with diameters ranging from approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 1.5 mm. Extrudates are stored under a dry, inert atmosphere. The blends prepared are listed in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0062] Example 6 The stress-strain parameters of the samples prepared according to Example 4 were measured using MTS. The percentage change in each parameter was calculated ([(Blend-PLA) / PLA×100]−100). The resulting stress-strain data are shown in Tables 2 and 3. [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0063] Example 7 Modified polylactic acid with improved toughness for orthopedic implants Polylactic acid-based orthopedic implants have been less widely adopted than initially anticipated for a number of reasons, particularly their degradation, which often takes years, and their poor mechanical toughness. To overcome the former issue, copolymerized, low-crystalline polylactic acid was developed, significantly shortening the implant's durability but further reducing the mechanical performance of these materials. Alternatively, impact modifiers are commonly used in industrial applications of polylactic acid, but most are based on non-biodegradable acrylic polymers, negating the benefits of polymer degradation in absorbable polymer-based medical implants. While these insoluble particulates toughen plastics by inhibiting crack propagation, the compositions are non-degradable and unsuitable for implantable medical devices. The compositions and methods described herein contain medical-grade additives that improve the performance of polylactic acid, enhancing the benefits of absorbable polymer implants.

[0064] Methods: Medical-grade poly(l-lactide) homopolymer (PL18, Corbion, Inc.) with a mean viscosity of 1.8 dl / g was used as the base material and control. Biostrength® 280 (Arkema, Inc.) impact modifier, an acrylic core-shell impact modifier specifically designed for polylactic acid polymer, was added at 5 wt%. IM-A (Example 1), a multi-screw copolymer of glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and caprolactone, was added at 5 wt% as an impact modifier. The blends were extruded into 1.75 mm diameter monofilaments using a custom-built single-screw extruder. The filaments were then printed with 100% infill on a Hyrel Hydra 640 printer and processed into unnotched Izod specimens. The molecular, thermal, and mechanical properties of the resulting samples were evaluated using monofilaments and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed parts. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a dichloromethane mobile phase was performed and compared to polystyrene standards (n = 3). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed from 20 to 240 °C at a heating rate of 20 °C / min (n = 3). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed in tensile mode at 1 Hz from 20 to 100 °C (n = 3). Tensile tests were performed at 1 mm / s with a 100 mm gauge length (n = 7). Unnotched Izod impact tests were performed using a 6.8 Nm (5 ft-lb) pendulum (n = 10). All tests were performed according to ASTM methods. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test with a Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality.

[0065] Results and Discussion: PL18, a medical grade polylactic acid homopolymer, was successfully formulated with both Biostrength and IM-A modifiers. Molecular weight data (not shown) showed no significant differences in molecular weight between the three sample groups. See Table 4 below. Filament evaluation showed thermal differences between the materials (Figure 1, Table 4), primarily indicating that the IM-A modification resulted in a significantly higher heat of fusion compared to Biostrength. This is likely due to the lactide segments that IM-A contains, which coordinate with the PL18 matrix and form nucleation sites. However, the glass transition temperature was slightly higher for the Biostrength-modified sample. The addition of Biostrength to the PLA matrix did not significantly change the magnitude or typical shape of the thermal transition. This is expected due to the addition of discrete microparticles that phase-separated from the PL18 matrix. However, the addition of IM-A significantly altered the cold crystallization behavior by shifting the peak to lower temperatures and narrowing the transition range (measured by the "half-width of the crystallization peak"). See Figure 1. This result indicates the level of interaction of IM-A with the PL18 matrix. Furthermore, the △H c The / ΔHf ratio was lowest in the PL18 + 5% IM-A group (1.06, 0.81, and 0.73 for PL18, PL18 + 5% Biostrength, and PL18 + 5% IM-A, respectively). The Young's modulus of all modified polymers decreased, as did the yield strength. However, the IM-A-modified polylactic acid showed less than a 50% decrease in strength compared to Biostrength at the same loading. Most importantly, the addition of IM-A at 5% resulted in a 28.5% improvement in impact resistance compared to unmodified PL18 and a nearly two-fold increase in toughness compared to the addition of Biostrength, the benchmark for toughening additives in industrial polylactic acid polymers.

[0066] Impact modifiers are typically added in amounts of 2-10% by weight, but for optimal results, the overall impact on performance must be balanced. Also, balancing the resulting mechanical and thermal properties may result in further improvements over unmodified polylactic acid. [Table 4]

[0067] Conclusion: Impact-modifying additives have been underutilized in medical device design due to the lack of suitable materials. IM-A, as a synthetic additive, can improve the toughness of polylactic acid polymers. Furthermore, its hydrolytic stability and medical grade make it a promising material for improving the performance of polylactic acid polymers in medical applications, especially orthopedic implants.

[0068] definition As used herein, names of compounds, including organic compounds, can be assigned using common names, IUPAC, IUBMB, or CAS recommendations for nomenclature. When one or more stereochemical features are present, the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for stereochemistry can be used to indicate stereochemical priority, EIZ specifications, and the like. Given a name, those skilled in the art can easily verify the structure of a compound by systematically decomposing the compound structure using the naming rules or by using commercially available software such as CHEMDRAW™ (Cambridgesoft Corporation, USA). As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a functional group," "an alkyl," or "a residue" includes mixtures of two or more such functional groups, alkyls, or residues, etc. In this specification and the appended claims, references to parts by weight of a particular element or component in a composition indicate the mass relationship between that element or component and the other elements or components in the composition or article to which the parts by weight are expressed. Thus, in a compound containing 2 parts by weight of component X and 5 parts by weight of component Y, X and Y are present in a mass ratio of 2:5, and are present in such ratio regardless of whether additional components are included in the compound. Weight percent (wt%) of a component is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included, unless otherwise specified. Molar percent (mol% or %(mol)) of a component is based on the total moles of all monomers used to make the composition in which the component is included, unless otherwise specified.

[0069] As used herein, degradability refers to a change in a material's chemical bonds or its structural integrity. As used herein, terms like "degradable" refer to a material that is configured to irreversibly break down or separate into one or more components when placed in an environment, and include any of a variety of mechanisms of degradation. For example, without intending to be limited by theory, the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom may degrade by a surface erosion mechanism characterized by layer-by-layer degradation of the material or article. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom may degrade by bulk erosion characterized by erosion occurring throughout the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom. Also, without intending to be bound by theory, the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom may degrade by any suitable mechanism, non-limiting examples of which may include hydrolysis, oxidation, aminolysis, enzymatic degradation (e.g., proteolysis), physical degradation, or a combination thereof. The mechanism of degradation can be affected by the use of external stimuli such as temperature, light, or heat. Additionally or alternatively, degradation of the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom can occur through contact with one or more materials that promote chemical degradation. For example, during biodegradation, at least a portion of the volume of the disclosed degradable materials, partially degradable materials, or articles made therefrom can be decomposed within a predetermined time when placed in an environment. As used herein, when a compound is referred to as a monomer or compound, it is understood that this is not to be construed as one molecule or one compound, e.g., two monomers generally refers to two different monomers, not two molecules.

[0070] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not occur. As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "nearly" mean that the quantity or value in question may be the exact value specified or a value that provides an equivalent result or effect as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and / or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art to produce equivalent results or effects. In general, amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, or other quantities or characteristics are "about," "approximately," or "nearly," whether or not expressly stated as such. When "about," "approximately," or "nearly" is used before a quantitative value, the parameter is understood to include the specific quantitative value itself, unless otherwise specified. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "compriseing," "includes," "including," "containing," "characterized by," "having," "having," or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements and may include other elements not expressly or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0071] The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim and means that the claim contains no more than the recited materials, except for impurities ordinarily accompanying them. When the phrase "consisting of" appears in a clause in the body of a claim rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the elements recited in that clause and does not exclude other elements from the claim as a whole. The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps, and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention. A "consisting essentially of" claim is intermediate between a closed claim written in the "consisting of" format and a fully open claim written in the "comprising" format. Optional additives, as defined herein, in amounts appropriate for such additives, and trace impurities are not excluded from the composition by the term "consisting essentially of." When a composition, process, structure, or portion of a composition, process, or structure is described herein using open-ended language such as "consisting of," unless otherwise specified, the description also includes embodiments that "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the composition, process, structure, or portion of the composition, process, or structure.

[0072] The articles "a" and "an" may be used in connection with various elements and components of the compositions, processes, or structures described herein. This is for convenience only and is intended to give a general sense of the compositions, processes, or structures of the present invention. Such descriptions include "one or at least one" element or component. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" also include descriptions of plural elements or components unless the specific context clearly excludes a plurality. The term "about" means that the amount, size, formulation, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, etc., and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter, or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximately" whether or not it is expressly stated as such. As used herein, the term "or" is inclusive, i.e., the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B." More specifically, the condition "A or B" is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent); A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present); or both A and B are true (or present). Exclusive "or" is indicated herein by terms such as "either A or B" and "one of A or B."

[0073] Also, unless otherwise specified, ranges set forth herein include the endpoints of the range. Furthermore, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is presented as a range, one or more preferred ranges, or a list of preferred upper and lower limits, this should be understood to expressly disclose all ranges formed from any pairing of any range upper or preferred upper limit with any range lower or preferred lower limit, whether or not such pairing is otherwise disclosed. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific values ​​recited when defining a range. When a material, method, or machine is described herein with the term "well-known to those skilled in the art," "conventional," or equivalent words or phrases, the term means that the description of this invention includes materials, methods, and machines that are conventional at the time of the filing of this application. Materials, methods, and machines that are not currently common, but that become recognized in the art as being suitable for similar purposes, are also included. Unless otherwise specified, all percentages, ratios, proportions and similar quantities are defined by weight.

[0074] All patents, patent applications, and references contained herein are specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety. Of course, it should be understood that the above relates only to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and that numerous modifications or variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth herein. The present disclosure is further illustrated by the examples contained herein, which should in no way be construed as imposing limitations on their scope. On the contrary, it is expressly understood that resort may be made to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art after reading the description herein, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and / or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A polylactic acid polymer blend composition article comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer composition and at least one multi-axial polymer composition, wherein the impact resistance of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition article is improved as compared to the impact resistance of a similar article made of the polylactic acid polymer composition of the polylactic acid polymer blend composition.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein at least the polylactic acid polymer composition or the multi-axial polymer composition contains a degradable polymer.

3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the polylactic acid polymer blend composition is at least partially transesterified.

4. The article according to claim 1, comprising a polylactic acid composition of more than about 50% (w / w) and a multi-axial polymer composition of about 0.5% to about 50% (w / w).

5. The article according to claim 1, wherein the polylactic acid polymer blend composition further comprises one or more additives.

6. The article according to claim 5, wherein the one or more additives include an impact resistance modifier, a plasticizer, a nucleating agent, a clarifying agent, a reinforcing agent, a lubricant, an antistatic agent, an antioxidant, or a combination thereof.

7. The article according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axial polymer comprises a hydroxyl-based initiator including triethanolamine, trimethylolpropane, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, pentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, di(trimethylolpropane), 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol, glycerol, glucose, 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, triisopropanolamine, 1-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-propanol, or 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol.

8. The article according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axial polymer is a block copolymer.

9. The article according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axial degradable polymer comprises residues of ε-caprolactone, δ-valerelactone, trimethylene carbonate, D,L-lactide, p-dioxanone, δ-decalactone, ε-decalactone, L-lactide, D-lactide, and glycolide.

10. The article according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axial polymer is amorphous.

11. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the multiaxial polymer is a random or block copolymer that is a polyester, a polyacrylate, a polyvinyl-based polymer, a polyether, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or a combination thereof.

12. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is a consumer product, an automotive part, an agricultural product, a medical device, a pharmaceutical, a cosmetic, or a veterinary product.

13. 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the consumer product is a bag, a resealable bag, a straw, a toothbrush, a dish, a drinking cup, a glass or mug, a brush, a food container, a food tray, a plate, a bowl, a food cover, a clamshell package, and combinations and components thereof.

14. 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the automotive part is a trim part, a mat, a coating, a protective layer, an automotive transparency, a tube, a connector, or a protective coating.

15. 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the agricultural product is a mulch film, a stake, a peg, a string, a label, and combinations and components thereof.

16. 13. The article of claim 12, wherein the medical device is a mesh, a nonwoven, a screw, a plate, a rod, an implant, a suture, a blade, a staple, a barbed device, a wound closure device, a bag, a wound dressing, a splint, a stent, a syringe, a tube, a 3D printed body article, a tissue scaffold, an orthopedic implant, a soft tissue implant, and combinations and components thereof.

17. 1) A method of making a polylactic acid polymer blend composition, comprising mixing a composition comprising at least one polylactic acid polymer with a composition comprising at least one multiaxial polymer to form a polylactic acid polymer blend composition.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising heating the polylactic acid polymer blend composition to transesterify at least a portion of the polylactic acid polymer and the multiaxial polymer.

19. 18. A composition made by the method of claim 17.

20. 20. A composition made by the method of claim 18.

Images