Research data for the publication 'Nematic-to-isotropic phase transition in poly(L-Lactide) with addition of cyclodextrin during abiotic degradation study'

Research data for publication funded by the GREEN-MAP project. Includes macro images, GPC, DSC, X-ray, POM and AFM analyzes. The paper presents research on the liquid crystal (LC) properties of plain poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a physical mixture – composite – PLA with monodisperse sequence of methylated β-cyclodextrin (RM-β-CD) which was prepared with the use of a press, in order to develop a comprehensive characterization of (bio)degradable polyesters obtained under pressure. By introducing RM-β-CD into the polymer matrix, it is possible to obtain a chiral nematic mesophase during pressing, regardless of temperature and time. The obtained PLLA films exhibiting LC properties were subjected to degradation tests and the influence of degradation on these properties was determined. The degradation process demonstrated that colored planar texture of the chiral nematic mesophase, which was not observed prior to degradation in films without the addition of RM-β-CD, appeared after incubation in water as a result of the entrapment of degradation products in the polymer matrix. These unusual tailor-made properties, obtained in (bio)degradable polymers with LC properties using a simple method, demonstrate the potential for photonic applications.