Synthesis and Characterization of Star-Shaped Polylactide by Solution Polymerization

The feasibility of synthesizing starshaped poly(lactic acid) by solution polymerization, with stannous octoate as catalyst and multihydroxy/carboxy compounds as initiator, was investigated. Products were characterized with 1H-NMR and DSC analysis. Results showed that starshaped poly(lactic acid) could be synthesized successfully by solution polymerization. Compared to that by ring opening polymerization of lactide, the controllability of structure and molecular weight in solution polymerization was less effective. An amount of linear poly(lactic acid) were existent due to the steric hindrance of starshaped initiatiors.