Long-Chain Polyorthoesters as Degradable Polyethylene Mimics.

ABSTRACT: The persistence of commodity polymers makes the research for degradable alternatives with similar properties necessary. Degradable polyethylene mimics containing orthoester groups were synthesized by olefin metathesis polymerization for the first time. Ring-opening metathesis copolymerization (ROMP) of 1,5-cyclooctadiene with four different cyclic orthoester monomers gave linear copolymers with molecular weights up to 38000 g mol^-1. Hydrogenation of such copolymers produced semicrystalline polyethylene-like materials, which were only soluble in hot organic solvents. The crystallinity and melting points of the materials were controlled by the orthoester content of the copolymers. The polymers crystallized similar to polyethylene, but the relatively bulky orthoester groups were ex

SUBMITTER: Haider T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6727593 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature