[en] A high increase in the bulk polymerization rate of L,L-lactide and racemic D,L-lactide is observed when aluminium isopropoxide is added with an equimolar amount of a Lewis base, such as triphenylphosphine (P(Φ)3) and better 4-picoline (C6H7N). Polylactide of high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution is accordingly prepared in a controlled manner when the Al(OiPr)3 ; C6H7N combination is used as an initiator over a large temperature range from 110 to 180°C. A secondary alcohol, such as 2-propa-nol, has proved to be an efficient transfer agent, which allows the amount of Al per kg of polylactide to be advantageously reduced. All the alcohol molecules participate in the ring-opening polymerization even at an [iPrOH]0/[Al] ratio as high as 103.
Research center :
Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Disciplines :
Materials science & engineering Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Degée, Philippe; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Dubois, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Jérôme, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Language :
English
Title :
Bulk polymerization of lactides initiated by aluminium isopropoxide, 2a). Beneficial effect of Lewis bases and transfer agents
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