Work

Pressure-induced formability and degradability of block copolymers composed of poly(1,5-dioxepan-2-one) and poly(L-lactide)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: An aliphatic polyether/carbonate block copolymer, comprising poly(1,5-dioxepan-2-one) (PDXO, glass transition temperature Tg: -38°C) and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA, Tg: 55°C), evinces remarkable formability under pressure at temperatures significantly below the melting point of PLLA. A quantitative and detailed evaluation of the low-temperature molding of the block copolymer was conducted using a capillary rheometer. The findings reveal that block copolymers with PDXO composition >55 wt% demonstrate a propensity to flow at room temperature under 50 MPa pressure. Consequently, the practice of low-temperature molding serves to mitigate the degradation of polymer chains during the molding process, thereby augmenting recyclability. Furthermore, the enzymatic degradability of the block copolymer was extensively investigated using lipase PS and proteinase K. An interplay between the structure of the block copolymer and the degradation kinetics was explored. The polymeric materials developed, possessing both pressure formability and degradability, hold promising potential as environmentally benign polymers with reduced environmental impact.

Source: Polymer Degradation and Stability

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.111048

Authors: Hiroto Tada, Ikuo Taniguchi

Institutions: Sumitomo Chemical (Japan), Kyoto Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320