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Linear and star-shaped copolymers of trimethylene carbonate/ε-caprolactone were synthesized using different polyol initiators and catalysts. Unexpectedly, when dipentaerythritol was used as an initiator cross-linked rubbers were obtained, that swell in chloroform. This network formation can be understood by ‘in situ’ generation of cross-linker molecules from trimethylene carbonate and initiator. SEC analysis showed that with D-sorbitol star-shaped copolymers are synthesized with an average functionality between 4 and 6. These low molecular weight rubbers were used as a macro-initiator for the subsequent lactide/glycolide polymerization. Star-shaped lactide/glycolide block copolymers with a poly(trimethylene carbonate)-co-(ε-caprolactone) rubber core based on D-sorbitol show good mechanical properties. At relatively low rubber content ductile tensile behavior was observed indicating extensive toughening.
Joziasse et al. (Sat,) studied this question.