In Vitro Degradation of Trimethylene Carbonate Based (Co)polymers

• DOI: 10.1002/mabi.200290000
• Publication Date: 2003-02-21T14:06:08Z
• Authors: Ana Paula Pêgo; André A. Poot; Dirk W. Grijpma; Jan Feijen
• Keywords: Trimethylene carbonate; Degradation; Hydrolytic degradation; Polymer degradation

Abstract Trimethylene carbonate (TMC) was copolymerized with D , L ‐lactide (DLLA) or ε ‐caprolactone (CL), and the degradation of melt‐pressed solid copolymer films in phosphate‐buffered saline at pH 7.4 37 °C followed for a period over two years. The parent homopolymers were used as reference materials. profile TMC‐DLLA‐ TMC‐CL based copolymers similar best described by autocatalyzed bulk hydrolysis, preferentially ester bonds. hydrolysis rates varied orders magnitude, depending on polymer composition physical characteristics under conditions. TMC‐DLLA degraded faster than homopolymers. lost their tensile strength less five months, after which mass loss occurred. Copolymers 50 80 mol‐% TMC underwent total eleven months. For copolymers, slow gradual decrease molecular weight deterioration mechanical performance observed. These maintained suitable properties seventeen months longer. Chain scission semicrystalline resulted an increase crystallinity. In comparison CL homopolymer, introduction small amount (10 mol‐%) significantly reduced crystallinity during degradation. Poly(TMC) specimens dimensionally stable showed negligible weight. A 60% initial samples observed magnified image