Accelerated Degradation of Poly(ε-caprolactone) by Organic Amines

摘要: The solid-state degradation of poly(e-caprolactone) catalyzed by primary, secondary and tertiary alkylamines was investigated. process monitored weight loss molecular change measured gel permeation chromatography. Degradation studies were conducted at 37°C in methanol solutions the alkylamines. Primary caused rapid (i.e., ~90% 30 days) that depended on alkylamine concentration, molar ratio to monomer alkyl chain length. less polymer ~90%) within 80 days). One (N,N-diisopropylethylamine) showed little catalytic effect while a bicyclic (quinuclidine) about as primary products isolated when used include both esters amides indicating nucleophilic attack competed with amine-catalyzed methanolysis reaction. Only ester moieties could be identified from reactions containing alkylamines, which indicated they acted catalysts. All reduced 25,000 10,000 10 days after remaining solid leveled off even though continued.