MacDonald, J P, Parker, M P, Greenland, B W, Hermida-Merino, D, Hamley, I W and Shaver, M P (2014) Tuning thermal properties and microphase separation in aliphatic polyester ABA copolymers. Polymer Chemistry. pp. 1445-1453. ISSN 1759-9962

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Abstract

Four alkyl substituted β-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 (Đ < 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 β-butyrolactone or β-valerolactone yielded polymers with tunable and predictable thermal properties. Copolymers prepared from β-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.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Life Sciences > Chemistry
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry > QD0241 Organic chemistry
Depositing User:	Barnaby Greenland
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2018 14:29
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2018 14:31
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/74848

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