Design and in vivo assessment of polyester copolymers based on trimethylene carbonate and ε‐caprolactone

Poly(trimethylene carbonate‐co‐caprolactone) (PTCL) copolymers with various trimethylene carbonate ratios were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization and were used to prepare implants for an in vivo experiment. Medical silicone rubber was used as the control. Implants were prepared by compression molding with a laboratory instrument. The properties of these copolymer implants were investigated. PTCL implants and silicone rubbers were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal region of New Zealand white rabbits. The assessment was performed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 months postoperatively by the determination of the weight loss, water uptake, thermal behavior, molecular weight of the explanted implants, and histological examination. During the 8‐month implantation, the value of maximum weight loss was found to be 25%. A continuous decrease in the molecular weight occurred. No remarkable tissue reactions were observed during degradation, and foreign‐body reactions were similar to those of silicone rubbers, which are commercially available materials. In this study, we aimed to indicate the likely clinical behavior but good biodegradable properties of PTCL copolymers compared to those of silicone rubber. This may open a new avenue of application for them in the drug industry. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41815.     

Biodegradable poly(sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic‐ester anhydride) tamoxifen citrate implants: Preparation and in vitro characterization

The aim of this study was to prepare tamoxifen citrate loaded cylindrical polymeric implants for application at tumor sites. The implant was based on poly (sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic‐ester anhydride) 70 : 30 w/w [poly(SA‐RA) 70 : 30 w/w], a low‐melting, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer. Implants were prepared by a standardized melt manufacturing method. Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used for implant characterization. In vitro drug release studies were performed in phosphate‐buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 37 ± 2°C. The drug content was estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the tamoxifen citrate in the implants was in the amorphous state. The cumulative percentage of drug release from 10 and 20 wt % drug‐loaded poly(SA‐RA) 70 : 30 w/w implants after 30 days was found to be 42.36 and 62.60%, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Shape‐memory bioresorbable terpolymer composite with antirestenotic drug

Shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) that combine shape‐memory, biodegradability, and controlled drug release properties are very promising for medical and pharmaceutical application. Moreover, incorporation of antirestenotic drug into SMP biodegradable stent seems to be an interesting solution because of possibility to combine the mechanical support that provides stent and also drug elution. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of incorporation of sirolimus into poly(l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) on physicochemical and mechanical properties, degradation, and shape‐memory effect of the terpolymer. For this purpose, sirolimus was incorporated into the terpolymer by injection molding method. It has been demonstrated that drug‐free terpolymer after injection molding characterized insignificant changes in terpolymer composition. Degradation of materials during processing was not observed. Incorporation of drug molecules did not change shape‐memory properties of terpolymer. ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectra of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) confirmed that changes during degradation were similar for terpolymer and terpolymer with sirolimus. Sustained and regular release of sirolimus was observed. The developed material presents potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41902.     

Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels containing biodegradable polymers

BACKGROUND: Amphiphilic block and graft copolymers constitute a very interesting class of polymers with potential for biomedical applications, due to their special characteristics, which derive from the combination of properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. In this work, the synthesis and biodegradation of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐graft‐poly(L ‐lactide) are studied. RESULTS: The graft copolymers were synthesized using the macromonomer technique. In a first step, methacryloyl‐terminated poly(L ‐lactide) macromonomers were synthesized in a wide molecular weight range using different catalysts. Subsequently, these macromonomers were copolymerized with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate in order to obtain a graft copolymer. These new materials resemble hydrogel scaffolds with a biodegradable component. The biodegradation was studied in hydrolytic and enzymatic environments. The influence of different parameters (molecular weight, crystallinity, ratio between hydrophilic and hydrophobic components) on the degradation rate was investigated. CONCLUSION: Based on this study it will be possible to tailor the release properties of biodegradable materials. In addition, the materials will show good biocompatibility due to the hydrophilic poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel scaffold. This kind of material has potential for many applications, like controlled drug‐delivery systems or biodegradable implants. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Prospects use of hybrid layered double hydroxides‐polyacrylamide as controlled release media for antibiotic molecules

Some controlled‐release media containing two commercial antibiotic molecules, viz. Amoxicillin (AMX) and Ampicillin (AMP), were prepared using layered double hydroxides (LDH) intercalated and extended by polyacrylamide. The polycarylamide was prepared in situ by polymerization of acrylamide monomer intercalated in the interlayers of LDH. The LDH‐polyacrylamide‐antibiotic hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by various techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The results from these characterizations have shown the successful incorporation of the antibiotics in the interlayers and provided important information regarding their interlayer structure. The nanocomposites showed increased thermal stability in TGA. The loading of antibiotic in the PAM/Mg‐Al nanocomposite was found to be 36.33% for AMX and 52.38% for AMP. The improved antibacterial activity of hybrid nanocomposite was evaluated against Escherichia coli using the wells diffusion technique. The aliquot samples in agar media drug release study were found to be highly effective against microorganisms. The sustained release of antibiotic drug from the hybrid nanocomposite was also verified. The release rate at pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was found slower than that at pH 4.6. It can be concluded that hybrid nanocomposites of LDH extended by in situ polymerized acrylamide are very suitable materials to host different antibiotics and their controlled release. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45442.     

Processing and hydrolytic degradation of aromatic,ortho‐substituted polyanhydrides

Polyanhydrides containing 1,3‐bis(p‐carboxyphenoxy)propane, abbreviated poly(p‐CPP), are currently being used as controlled‐release devices for the treatment of brain cancer. These polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible and release pharmaceuticals in a controlled fashion. However, polyanhydrides have an important drawback: The polymers themselves are highly insoluble in both organic solvents and water and have high melting temperatures, rendering them difficult to process into fibers and/or films. Previously, we synthesized polymers that overcame the solubility and, thus, processing problems associated with poly(p‐CPP). In this report, we describe the mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation characteristics of these newly developed polyanhydrides. After formation of films by either compression‐molding or solvent‐casting, the polymer surfaces were examined by SEM. Mechanical studies were also performed on the compression‐molded samples. Compression‐molded samples were sterilized by γ‐irradiation and then examined by GPC for changes in their polymer structure. Lastly, the polymers and the degradation media were evaluated by TGA, DSC, GPC, and HPLC to gain a better understanding of the degradation process. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 32–38, 2001     

Preparation and release study of ibuprofen‐loaded porous matrices of a biodegradable poly(ester amide) derived from L‐alanine units

Scaffolds of a biodegradable poly(ester amide) constituted of L ‐alanine, sebacic acid, and 1,12‐dodecanediol units (abbreviated as PADAS) were prepared by the compression‐molding/particulate‐leaching method. The influence of the type, size, and percentage of salt on the scaffold porosity and morphology was evaluated. The thermal behavior and crystallinity were also studied for samples obtained under different processing conditions. PADAS scaffolds were not cytotoxic because they showed good cell viability and supported cell growth at a similar ratio to that observed for the biocompatible materials used as a reference. The use of PADAS scaffolds as a drug‐delivery system was also evaluated by the employment of ibuprofen, a drug with well known anti‐inflammatory effects. Different drug‐loading methods were considered, and their influence on the release in a Sörensen's medium was evaluated as well as the influence of the scaffold morphology. A sustained release of ibuprofen could be attained without the production of a negative effect on the cell viability. The release kinetics of samples loaded before melt processing was well described by the combined Higuchi/first‐order model. This allowed the estimation of the diffusion coefficients, which ranged between 3 × 10^?14 and 5 × 10^?13 m²/s. Samples loaded by immersion in ibuprofen solutions showed a rapid release that could be delayed by the addition of polycaprolactone to the immersion medium (i.e., the release rate decreased from 0.027 to 0.015 h^?1). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.     

Birefringence in injection‐compression molding of amorphous polymers: Simulation and experiment

The influence of the processing variables on the residual birefringence was analyzed for polystyrene and polycarbonate disks obtained by injection‐compression molding under various processing conditions. The processing variables studied were melt and mold temperatures, compression stroke, and switchover time. The modeling of flow‐induced residual stresses and birefringence of amorphous polymers in injection‐compression molded center‐gated disks was carried out using a numerical scheme based on a hybrid finite element/finite difference/control volume method. A nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive equation and stress‐optical rule were used to model frozen‐in flow stresses in moldings. The filling, compression, packing, and cooling stages were considered. Thermally‐induced residual birefringence was calculated using the linear viscoelastic and photoviscoelastic constitutive equations combined with the first‐order rate equation for volume relaxation and the master curves for the Young's relaxation modulus and strain‐optical coefficient functions. The residual birefringence in injection‐compression moldings was measured. The effects of various processing conditions on the measured and simulated birefringence distribution Δn and average transverse birefringence <n_rr?n_θθ> were elucidated. Comparison of the birefringence in disks manufactured by the injection molding and injection‐compression molding was made. The predicted and measured birefringence is found to be in fair agreement. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A Novel of Biodegradable Implants Based on PLGA for Control Delivery of Cisplatin

A novel controlled drug delivery micro-device was successfully prepared with biodegradable implants based on PLGA by solvent evaporation method. The micro-chambers were fabricated using the UV-LIGA technology. The controlled release process resulted from the design of the micro-chambers and the characteristics of biodegradable polymers. Implant bioactivity was tested using in vitro and in vivo release. The implants kept good shape and cisplatin was homogeneous loaded in the PLGA implants. The precast implants appeared hexagon. With different proportion of PLA and PGA segment, the swelling behavior and the hydrolytic degradation rate of implants became lower due to the increase of PLA hydrophobic segment. In vitro and in vivo drug release behavior was studied using cisplatin as model drug, the implants could control the diffusion of cisplatin. The results demonstrated that this type of controlled drug delivery micro-device could be more potential application in tumor therapy.     

Dexamethasone eluting biodegradable polymeric matrix coated stent for intravascular drug delivery

Targeted drug delivery systems are used to minimize the adverse effects of the pharmaceutical agents while maintaining the high local drug concentrations. To minimize post-angioplasty complications like tissue hyperplasia and related restenotic events, cardiovascular stents coated with anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative agents have been proposed. The efficacy and toxicity of local therapeutics depends upon drug release kinetics which will further decide drug deposition, distribution, and retention at the target site. Drug eluting stents (DES) presently possesses clinical importance as an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting due to ease of procedure and comparable safety and efficacy. This paper focuses on preparation and evaluation of controlled drug release biodegradable systems for stent base drug delivery providing insight of the drug elution mechanism which ultimately governs release kinetics. Multiple layers of dexamethasone-biodegradable polymers were successfully spray coated on Co–Cr alloy L605 metallic stents by modified air brush technique. In vitro drug elution data acquired by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that release of dexamethasone can be modulated up to 3 weeks by optimized use of blends of biodegradable poly-l-lactide-co-caprolactone and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Surface investigation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) represented smooth surface finish without any irregularities suggesting the efficacy of utilization of optimal coating parameters for multiple layer coating.     

Biodegradable polymeric injectable implants for long‐term delivery of contraceptive drugs

Development of injectable, long‐lasting, contraceptive drug delivery formulations, and implants are highly desired to avoid unplanned pregnancies while improving patient compliance and reducing adverse side effects and treatment costs. The present study reports on the fabrication and characterization of two levonorgestrel (LNG) microsphere injectable formulations. Poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) with 12.5% and 24% (w/w) LNG were fabricated into microspheres, measuring 300 ± 125 µm, via the oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Formulations showed sustained drug release up to 120 days. FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA confirmed the absence of LNG chemical interaction with PCL as well as its molecular level distribution. The in vitro release of LNG was calculated to be Fickian diffusion controlled and properly characterized. The inclusion of multiple elevated release temperatures allowed for the application of the Arrhenius model to calculate drug release constants and representative sampling intervals, demonstrating the use of elevated temperatures for accelerated‐time drug release studies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46068.     

Valproate‐Loaded hydrogel nanoparticles: Preparation and characterization

Developing a simple and efficient approach to formulate biodegradable nanoparticles for intravenous delivery of sodium valproate (a hydrophilic small molecule drug chronically used in epileptic patients), is the principal objective of the current study. To fabricate particles via ionotropic gelation approach, a polycation polymer (chitosan) along with a polyanion (tripolyphosphate) was utilized in the presence of sodium valproate, and the Taguchi experimental design method was drawn upon so as to determine the optimum conditions of nanoparticle generation. In the following step, the researchers investigated sodium valproate‐loaded nanoparticles to explore various features of the nanoparticles including drug loading parameters, particle size distribution, zeta‐potential, morphology, stability, yield, and in vitro drug release profile. Nanoparticles with sizes of 63 ± 1 nm (number‐based) and 79 ± 3.21 (volume‐based) were obtained with slightly negative zeta–potential, which was more positive in drug‐loaded nanoparticles than the unloaded ones. The TEM imaging of the hydrogel nanoparticles manifested spherical shapes and corroborated the size achieved via particle size analyzer. The loading efficiency, loading amount, and loading ratio were determined to be 21.81 ± 3.90%, 10.31 ± 1.82 (mg sodium valproate/g nanoparticle) and 23.70 ± 4.54%, respectively, in optimum conditions. Moreover, there was observed a gradual drug release for nearly a week consisting, in average, about 94.64 ± 2.71% of the nanoparticles' drug content. In a nutshell, the present study introduces a practical, simple, and effective ionotropic gelation approach to generate sodium valproate‐loaded nanoparticles, leaving open a window of promising prospects in the field of intravenous long‐term delivery of this chronically used drug. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Preparation and in vitro characterization of poly(sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic acid)‐based tamoxifen citrate‐loaded microparticles for breast cancer

This study was aimed to develop an injectable polymeric drug delivery system for tamoxifen citrate (TC) using poly(sebacic acid‐co‐ricinoleic acid) [poly(SA‐RA) 70 : 30 w/w] as a drug carrier for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Injectable biodegradable microparticles of TC were produced by solvent displacement technique of microencapsulation and were characterized by surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy), particle size, size distribution, physical and chemical interaction (Fourier transform infrared), nature and physical state of drug [DSC and X‐ray diffraction (XRD)], and in vitro release studies. TC loading over different concentrations was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Polyanhydride microparticles obtained after lyophilization were nearly spherical in shape with smooth surface and size less than 2.5 μm. TC was dispersed in the form of amorphous state, and TC remains intact and stable during the process of microencapsulation. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated prolonged controlled release of TC with zero‐order kinetics. Stability studies revealed that the production process of microparticles itself did not affect the chemical stability of the drug and polymer forming the particle matrix. Significant difference in drug release capacity was observed in microparticles with different drug loadings, and the drug release was more sustained in microparticles prepared with high TC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Covalent attachment of quaternary ammonium compounds to a polyethylene surface via a hydrolyzable ester linkage: Basis for a controlled‐release system of antiseptics from an inert surface

The colonization of medical devices such as catheters, topical wound dressings, and surgical implants by micro‐organisms is an ongoing problem, particularly as many strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Such a problem may be addressed by a material surface that is able to provide a slow release of a disinfectant during its period of usage. To achieve this objective, a novel material was prepared in which a quaternary ammonium salt was covalently bound onto a polyethylene backbone via a hydrolyzable ester linkage, which provided a slow release of the disinfecting agent. A low‐density polyethylene film was treated with glow discharge followed by the graft polymerization of acrylic acid. A tertiary amine function was introduced onto the film by the esterification of the carboxylic acid groups, via an acid chloride intermediate, with 4‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl piperidine. The tertiary amine on the piperidine was then quaternized with a series of alkyl bromides of various chain lengths. The quaternary ammonium salt was released slowly by the hydrolysis of the ester bond over a 4‐h period. To test the efficacy of the quaternary ammonium function itself, soluble compounds were prepared as follows. 4‐Hydroxy‐N‐methyl piperidine was esterified with acetic anhydride and a corresponding series of quaternary ammonium salts prepared again by a reaction with alkyl bromides of various chain lengths. A preliminary microbiological survey of the materials included an investigation of the effect of the chain length as well as the efficacy of the soluble quaternary salts themselves. As expected, only the longer alkyl chains provided quaternary ammonium salts with bactericidal properties, chain lengths of less than 10 carbon atoms proving ineffective. Both the polymer‐bound and soluble long‐chain quaternary ammonium salts were effective against suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results therefore indicate that such a system may well be useful in the development of biomedical materials such as surgical implants or dressings in which a slow release of a disinfectant or other physiologically active agent such as an anti‐inflammatory drug may be required. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 538–545, 2006     

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan‐polycaprolactone blended with organoclay for control release of doxycycline

In the present research program, chitosan has been mixed with polycaprolactone (PCL) (80 : 20) for using them for control delivery of doxycycline. Organoclay, Cloisite 30B of different concentrations 1, 2.5, and 5% has been blended with the composite. Chitosan is a natural biodegradable polymer where as polycaprolactone is a synthetic biopolymer. The blending of the two polymers has been carried out varying the proportion of nanoclay so that the composite can be a better drug carrier. The blends were characterized by Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. From the FTIR spectra, the various groups present in chitosan and PCL blend were monitored. The homogeneity, morphology, and crystallinity of the blends were ascertained from SEM and XRD data, respectively. The swelling studies have been carried out at different drug loading. Swelling study is an important parameter to predict the diffusion of the drugs from the matrix. The kinetics of the drug delivery system has been systematically studied. Drug release kinetics was analyzed by plotting the cumulative release data versus time by fitting to an exponential equation which indicated the non‐Fickian type of kinetics. The drug release was investigated at different pH medium, and it was found that the drug release depends upon the pH medium as well as the nature of matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Polymeric Inserts and Implants for the Controlled Release of Drugs

Because of the ability of polymers to exist in glassy, rubbery or solvent-swollen forms which have very different diffusion coefficients they are able to be used very effectively to control the release of incorporated drugs. As the polymers can vary from inert in vivo to biodegradable an even greater scope for versatile formulation is provided. The various parameters governing the design of controlled release implants are discussed.     

Sugar palm fiber/polyester nanocomposites: Influence of adding nanoclay fillers on thermal,dynamic mechanical,and physical properties

In this research, nanoclay used as filler in sugar palm‐reinforced composites was investigated by the physical, thermal, and dynamic mechanical properties. Various concentrations of nanoclay were used to fabricate composites by using hand lay‐up technique, followed by hot compression molding with naturally woven sugar palm fiber‐reinforced in polyester matrix. Among various weight concentrations such as 1–5% of nanoclay, it was found that 2% nanoclay‐filled composite (NC) demonstrated the best balance of thermomechanical properties and significantly enhanced the composite. DMA demonstrated that 2% nanoclay content resulted in improved viscoelastic behavior and higher glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites. TGA also showed improvement in properties, whereas 3% nanoclay‐filled composite showed superior onset temperature, and 5% nanoclay‐filled composite exhibited highest remaining residue. The nanoclay filler was very effective to fill the porous structure and maintain the thickness stability. The thickness swelling was reduced with increasing amount of nanoclay in composites. Overall, the addition of nano clay improved thermal and physical properties of sugar palm‐reinforced polyester composite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:236–243, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biodegradable hollow fibres containing drug‐loaded nanoparticles as controlled release systems

A ‘multiple’ delivery system was studied, consisting of hollow microfibres containing drug‐loaded nanoparticles. Both fibres and nanoparticles are made of biodegradable polymers, so that the system does not need any surgical operation to be removed. The main advantage of the system is that it allows the contemporaneous release of different kinds of drugs. Copolymers of poly(lactic acid) and ?‐caprolactone were used for the preparation of the fibres through both wet and dry–wet spinning procedures. Two types of nanoparticles, gelatin and poly(DL ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles, were prepared by simple water‐in‐oil and oil‐in‐water emulsions, respectively. Drugs such as dexamethasone and methotrexate were used to load the particles. The technique employed for the preparation of the nanoparticles filled fibres was described and the drug release characteristics of this system were investigated and compared with those of the free nanoparticles. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimization of compression molding of stand‐alone microlenses: Simulation and experimental results

Hot compression molding is a promising method to fabricate polymer stand‐alone microlenses. A reliable theoretical as well as statistical analysis is required for the optimization of the process to minimize the residual stresses and to predict the amount of springback to achieve a better replication of the mold profile. This article in this context focuses on the finite element simulation (FES), optimization as well as experimental validation of hot compression molding of polymer stand‐alone microlenses. Three steps such as molding, cooling, and demolding, under different molding parameters, were analyzed using ABAQUS/standard solver and the results were compared with experimental results. Compression test and compression relaxation test have been conducted at different temperatures and strain rates to characterize the rheological behavior of material. Two material models, linear viscoelastic and hyperelastic–viscoelastic models, were developed and used for compression test simulations. Hyperelastic–viscoelastic model is found to predict the material behavior in low strain rates better and, thus, is used for the simulation of actual lens compression molding. Good agreement is found between the FES‐predicted curve and the lens profile molded at different molding temperatures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Injection molding of a starch/EVOH blend aimed as an alternative biomaterial for temporary applications

Biodegradable polymers show great potential to be used as materials for temporary implants and bone replacement applications in orthopedics. However, its use in high load‐bearing applications will depend on the successful development of biodegradable implants with a mechanical performance matching that of human bone. This article describes the optimization of the injection molding process of an alternative biodegradable starch‐based polymer aimed at biomedical applications. A blend of starch with a copolymer of ethylene–vinyl alcohol (SEVA‐C) was studied. Both conventional injection molding and shear controlled orientation (SCORIM) were optimized with the support of design of experiments and analysis of variance techniques. The mechanical characterization was performed by tensile testing. The structure developed within the moldings was assessed by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Increases up to 30% in the tangent modulus and 20% in the ultimate tensile strength compared with conventional molding were achieved with the application of SCORIM. The holding pressure and the frequency of the shear applied have the strongest influence on the morphology development and consequently on the mechanical performance. The solidification of SEVA‐C at high cavity pressures enhances stiffness for long durations of the shearing stage in SCORIM. However, the effect of viscous heating of SEVA‐C is important and ought to be considered. A decrease of the material phase miscibility in SEVA‐C occurs as result of the shear fields imposed. The microstructure evaluation suggests that the mechanical properties enhancement in SCORIM molded SEVA‐C is attributable to preferred orientation developed during processing. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1303–1315, 2000