Degradation of poly(5-hydroxy-trimethylene carbonate) in aqueous environments. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Fei; Qi, Ronghui; Huyer, Locke Davenport; Amsden, Brian G.
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 158(2018)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Aliphatic polycarbonate -- Intramolecular cyclization -- Hydrolysis -- Biomaterial; Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.10.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Abstract: Poly(5-hydroxy-trimethylene carbonate) (PHTMC) was synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of 5-benzyloxy trimethylene carbonate followed by debenzylation. The water solubility of the resulting homopolymer was measured as a function of its molecular weight, and its degradation in acidic (pH 2.0), and basic (pH 12.0) solutions of deionized water, as well as in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) assessed. PHTMC exhibited notable hydrophilicity, even at molecular weights as high as 49 kDa. The pendant hydroxyl functional groups also allowed PHTMC to degrade rapidly (<1 h) under basic conditions via an intramolecular cyclization process along the polymer backbone. The ultimate degradation products were the biologically benign glycerol and carbon dioxide. Highlights: Poly(5-hydroxy trimethylene carbonate) (PHTMC) exhibits appreciable water solubility. Under alkaline aqueous conditions, PHTMC degrades rapidly through an intramolecular cyclization reaction. The resulting degradation products are glycerol carbonate, carbon dioxide and glycerol. The glycerol carbonate in turn gradually hydrolyses to glycerol and carbon dioxide.