Synthesis and biodegradability of l-lactide/glycidol copolymers

Random copolymers of l-lactide (LA) and glycidol (G) were systematically synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). It was found that thermal properties of copolymers were strongly dependent on polymer composition which was successively controllable by changing comonomer feed ratio. The effects of polymerization conditions as well as polymer compositions on polymer properties were thoroughly studied. The biodegradation and enzymatic hydrolysis of copolymers were also examined. It was found that the biodegradability by an activated sludge of L/G copolymers was strongly affected by both polymer composition and crystallinity whereas their hydrolyzability by proteinase K was merely influenced by polymer composition.