Role of important parameters in ring opening polymerization of polylactide

Abstract

Different parameters, namely polymerization temperature, polymerization time, monomer/initiator ratio, nature of the initiator, amount of water or other impurities etc. are very significant for polymerization reactions either in bulk or solution. Monomer to initiator ratio has a very significant role in polymerization reactions and a value ranging from 50 to 5000 that has been reported by different researchers. Recrystallization of the monomer removes the meso compounds from the monomer, which absorbs the moisture and effects polymerization reaction. So, it is necessary to recrystallize the monomer with any anhydrous solvent like dry toluene, ethyl acetate etc. Prolonged reaction time cannot increase the polymer yield; it generally causes the decrease of molecular weight and broadening of molecular weight distribution of formed polymers. This is probably due to the transesterification side reaction in polymerization, intensifying at prolonged time periods. Several groups like hydroxyl and carboxylic acid affect the polymerization rate. © 2011 by Walter de Gruyter. Berlin. Boston.