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Polymer chemistry 2015.pdf (736.66 kB)

Tuning thermal properties and microphase separation in aliphatic polyester ABA copolymers

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posted on 2023-06-09, 12:45 authored by J P MacDonald, M P Parker, Barnaby GreenlandBarnaby Greenland, D Hermida-Merino, I W Hamley, M P Shaver
Four alkyl substituted ß-lactones were investigated as monomers in ring opening polymerisation to produce a family of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s. Homopolymers were synthesised using a robust aluminium salen catalyst, resulting in polymers with low dispersity (Ð < 1.1) and predictable molecular weights. ABA triblock copolymers were prepared using poly(L-lactic acid) as the A block and the afore- mentioned poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) as the B block via a sequential addition method. Characterisation of these copolymers determined they were well controlled with low dispersities and predictable molecular weight. DSC analysis determined copolymers prepared from ß-butyrolactone or ß-valerolactone yielded polymers with tunable and predictable thermal properties. Copolymers prepared from ß-heptanolactone yielded a microphase separated material as indicated by SAXS, with two distinct Tgs. The polymers could be readily cast into flexible films and their improved tensile properties were explored.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Polymer Chemistry

ISSN

1759-9962

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry

Issue

9

Volume

6

Page range

1445-1453

Department affiliated with

  • Chemistry Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-04-05

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-04-05

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-04-05

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