| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1398339 | European Polymer Journal | 2012 | 11 Pages |
Low-molecular weight macroinitiators derived from natural poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs), which contain olefinic and activated by 18-crown-6 ether carboxylic end groups, were used in anionic ring opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic β-butyrolactone and new diblock copolymers of selected PHAs (PHB, PHBV, PHO) with atactic poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (a-PHB) were obtained. These novel copolymers were characterized using 1H NMR, GPC and DSC. Hydrolytic degradation studies of selected copolymers were also performed. Finally, the suitability of these polymeric materials for cardiovascular engineering and as blend compatibilizers was demonstrated.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We report novel diblock copolymers of selected PHAs with atactic a-PHB. ► Structure of PHAs macroinitiators was established at the molecular level. ► The PHO-block-(a-PHB) copolymers are PHO/a-PHB blend compatibilizers. ► PHB-block-(a-PHB) copolymers reduce permeability of vascular prostheses.
