Synthesis and characterization of a novel degradable aliphatic polyester that contains monomeric lactate sequences

Abstract

A novel degradable aliphatic polyester that contains monomeric lactate sequences is synthesized via melt-polycondensation of ethylene glycol lactate diol (EGLD) with succinic anhydride without the use of catalyst The structure of the EGLD precursor and the polyester are verified with FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. Gel permeation chromatography reveals that the weight-average molecular weight of the polyester is 5.5 × 104 with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.7. Differential scanning calorimetry profiles reveal that the polyester is a semicrystalline polymer with a glass transition temperature of -12°C and melting temperature of 101°C. The weight loss percentage of the polyester after immersing for 208 d in active sludge is 2.7%, which suggests degradation has occurred. © 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.