Synthesis and thermal properties of copolymers of L-lactic acid and ε-caprolactone

Sangwoork Park, Youngkyu Chang, Jun Hyung Cho, Icksam Noh, Chulhee Kim, Soo Hyun Kim, Young Ha Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Copolymers of L-lactic acid with ε-caprolactone were prepared to provide poly (L-lactic acid) with flexibility and thermal stability. L-Lactic acid and ε-caprolactone were "one-pot" polymerized in the presence of Sb2O3 as a catalyst and dipentaerythritol (DIPET) as an initiator. Molecular weights of the copolymers were remarkably increased by the addition of DIPET. The copolymers were amorphous when the L-lactic acid composition was in the range of 20-90%, while the homopolymer of L-lactic acid and ε-caprolactone were semicrystalline. The glass transition temperatures(Tg) of the copolymers were in the range of -48°C-43°C and decreased as the content of ε-caprolactone was increased. Initial thermal decomposition temperatures(Td) of the copolymers were 212°C-289°C, which were higher than the Td of poly(L-lactic acid), 168°C.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalPolymer (Korea)
Volume22
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Copolyester
  • Dipentaerythritol
  • L-lactic acid
  • ε-caprolactone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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