Multiscale structural characterization of biocompatible poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks photo-cross-linked in a solvent

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 90; p. 106740
• Main Authors: van Bochove, Bas, Spoljaric, Steve, Seppälä, Jukka, Rios de Anda, Agustín
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Biocompatible polymers; Dynamic Mechanical Analysis; Poly(trimethylene carbonate); Structure-properties relationship; Thermomechanical properties; Time-Domain 1H DQ NMR; Structure-properties relationship; Thermomechanical properties; Dynamic Mechanical Analysis; Time-Domain 1H DQ NMR; Poly(trimethylene carbonate); Biocompatible polymers
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106740

Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) polymeric networks are biocompatible materials with potential biomedical applications. By combining Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and tensile testing, it was possible to fully characterize the inner structure and its relationship with the macroscopic properties of photo-crosslinked PTMC materials in a solvent medium. PTMC prepared from macromer with various molecular weights (3 kg/mol, 18 kg/mol, and 32 kg/mol) and with various polymer concentrations within the reactive media were analyzed, with the variation of thermomechanical properties and NMR signal decay characterized as a function of both aforementioned synthesis parameters. DMA and solid state Double Quantum (DQ) 1H NMR investigations demonstrated that the network crosslink density is directly related to the macromer molar mass and polymer concentration. More interestingly, tensile tests confirmed that mechanical behavior depended on the materials’ inner structure, notably their crosslink density. Specifically for the 18 kg/mol PTMC networks, dangling and free chains reinforced the network, exemplified by higher Young’s modulus E values. This multiscale investigation provides a promising and precise approach to tailor the macroscopic behavior of PTMC materials, by controlling their specific inner network structural morphologies during synthesis. [Display omitted] •Biocompatible PTMC have been synthesized in solvent with various PTMC concentrations.•DMA and Time Domain 1HDQ NMR relate well to network crosslink density & morphology.•PTMC crosslink density varies linearly with polymer content in the reactive media.•Physical entanglements reinforces PTMC of low polymer content and high macromer MW.•A Mechanical testing, DMA, and Time Domain 1HDQ NMR approach was robustly used.