Role of Sn-based and Ti-based catalysts on melt copolymerization of PLA-Polyols

Abstract

Abstract Aiming at improving the ductility of PLA, two polyols: polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polypropylene glycol (PPG) were introduced individually to the PLA structure as a soft component. Copolymerization of PLA and polyols was performed in a melt-mixer via transesterification in the presence of a catalyst. 1H-NMR and GPC results revealed that PLAPEG and PLA-PPG copolymers with different molecular weights were successfully formed. The copolymer formation and characteristics depended strongly on the structure of polyol and type of catalyst. Titanium butoxide (TBT) was found to be a more effective catalyst than dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL). The effects of catalyst content and reaction time on the characteristics of the copolymers are also reported.