Aliphatic polyesters are a ubiquitous class of materials that have been studied extensively for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products and specialized materials for biomedical devices as a consequence of their facile hydrolytic degradation, biocompatibility, and renewably sourced precursors. Recently, terpolyesters have generated substantial interest as a way to expand the range of accessible polyesters and their associated properties. Traditionally, ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of lactones, epoxides, and anhydrides have been the primary, chain-growth methods for producing polyesters with block sequencing. Using this approach, a wide range of polyesters result that can be finely tuned for high-value applications. Thus, the development of sequence selective methods and catalysts that can link distinct mechanistic cycles is necessary to decrease cost and improve industrial viability of combined ROP and ROCOP systems. This presentation will highlight our efforts in catalyst development and its use in copolymer synthesis.

Ring opening copolymerization of polylactone and poly(propylene fumarate) block copolymers for use in medical applications

256th National Meeting (2018)

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