Polylactides-an overview

• Published in: Polymers for advanced technologies Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 436 - 447
• Main Authors: Slomkowski, Stanislaw, Penczek, Stanislaw, Duda, Andrzej
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Alkoxides; Applied sciences; Carboxylates; Dispersions; Exact sciences and technology; Magnesium; mechanism of polymerization; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polylactide microstructure; polylactide stereocomplexes; polylactide synthesis; Polylactides; Polymerization; Polymers; Polymers with particular properties; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; Zinc; Ring opening polymerization; Optically active polymer; polylactide microstructure; Zirconium Complexes; Hafnium Complexes; Review; Complex catalyst polymerization; Lactone polymer; mechanism of polymerization; polylactide stereocomplexes; Solution polymerization; polylactides; Titanium Complexes; Tin II Compounds; Aliphatic polymer; Preparation; Concentration effect; Dispersion polymerization; Carboxylate; Reaction mechanism; polylactide synthesis; Catalyst activity
• ISSN: 1042-7147; 1099-1581
• DOI: 10.1002/pat.3281

Aliphatic polyesters derived from lactides of various configurations (LL, DD, and DL) are promising as materials not only for packaging and for production of many other commonly used polymer products but also for unique medical applications. This paper describes current situation in synthesis and major applications of polylactides. Results of basic studies of “classical” polymerization of lactides prepared with stannous carboxylates or alkoxides, allowing to obtain polymers with molar masses (Mn) up to 106 g/mol and with the low content of tin are also presented. There are discussed advantages and disadvantages of catalyzing/initiating systems that contain zinc, magnesium, calcium, and other metal carboxylates and alkoxides as well as strong organic base initiators. Syntheses of polylactides with well defined microstructure are described. Characteristic features of bulk, solution, and dispersion polymerizations are compared. An outlook for development of polylactide production and applications is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.