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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Polymer (Korea) |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Copolyester
- Dipentaerythritol
- L-lactic acid
- ε-caprolactone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemical Engineering
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry