Work

Development of Biodegradable and Biobased Poly(glycerol levulinate-co-glycerol malonate) Copolyesters with Controlled Degradation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fully biobased oligomers were synthesized from glycerol, levulinic acid, and malonic acid via melt polycondensation. Itaconic acid with a carbon-carbon double bond was incorporated to enable cross-linking using dicumyl peroxide. The effect of the monomer molar ratio on material properties was investigated to understand the structure-property relationships. The addition of malonic acid, acting as both a monomer and a secondary cross-linker, was found to tune the glass-transition temperature, thermal stability, and degradation behavior of the cross-linked random copolyesters. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that malonic acid significantly improved the thermal stability, increasing it by up to 7.6% compared to the neat polymer. The cross-linked copolyesters exhibited excellent degradation profiles, making them suitable for biomedical applications where controlled degradation is essential. Additionally, they demonstrated outstanding shape memory properties, with a nearly 100% shape recovery, offering further potential for biomedical device fabrication.

Source: Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5c00383

Authors: Huru Rabia Gulec, Zaid Kareem, Mete Karaboyun, Ersan Eyiler

Institution: Cukurova University

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: $4,500