Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(ω-pentadecalactone) for Its Industrial-scale Production

The synthesis of biomaterial poly(omega-pentadecalactone)(PPDL) with yttrium isopropoxide as initiator in bulk was explored for its industrial-scale production. The weight-average molecular weight((M) over bar (w) ) of PPDL could be controlled by the molar ratio of monomer to initiator(M/I), polymerization temperature(T-p) and period(t(p)). The synthesis conditions were optimized, and a high (M) over bar (w) of 9.2x10(4) of PPDL could be obtained by the reaction at an M/I molar ratio of 1000/1 and 100 degrees C for only 30 min, which presented tough properties with a tensile strength of about 20 MPa and an elongation at break of about 300%. This mechanical property was comparable to that of high density polyethylene(HDPE). The melting point was about 96 degrees C, and 5% of mass loss temperature(T-5%) was as high as 340 degrees C. Thus, the PPDL with good mechanical properties and high thermal stability can be synthesized without solvent at low expenses.