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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
Synthesis of polylactide with varying molecular weight and aliphatic content: effect on moisture sorption
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Sep 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-2878
Abstract
Polylactide (PLA) is a bio-based, biodegradable polymer which is derived from lactic acid and has numerous potential applications, some of which are limited by its moisture barrier and thermal properties. Prior studies have been inconsistent about how moisture sorption in PLA varies with crystallinity and molecular weight. This research is a systematic study of how moisture sorption in PLA depends on molecular weight and aliphatic content via end group modification. PLA with varying aliphatic content is achieved by initiating ring opening polymerization of Llactide with different long chain aliphatic alcohols. Molecular weight was controlled by varying the ratio of L-lactide monomer to alcohol (C16 Palmityl, C10 Decyl, C4 Butyl) initiator and triethylaluminum was used as a catalyst for precise control over molecular weight. PLA with different molecular weights and with varying end groups were synthesized and characterized by GPC, DSC, and NMR. Moisture sorption in PLA was measured with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). QCM experiments revealedthat both molecular weight and aliphatic content contribute to sorption properties of PLA.
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Details
- Title
- Synthesis of polylactide with varying molecular weight and aliphatic content
- Creators
- Vishesh M. Singh - DU
- Contributors
- Richard Allan Cairncross (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Giuseppe R. Palmese (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Chemical (and Biological) Engineering [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 2878; 991014632249404721