Poly(propylene succinate): A new polymer stereocomplex

Abstract

Herein we show the formation of a polymer stereocomplex by mixing isotactic, regioregular chains of poly(propylene succinate) synthesized via the copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxides. The stereocomplex exhibits significantly improved thermal properties in comparison to the enantiopure parent polymers. We demonstrate that stereocomplexation is a route to a new class of semicrystalline polyesters with improved properties, produced from readily accessible starting materials.