Synthesis and Preparation of Cross-linked Films with Ester-Free Poly(trimethylene carbonate) Bearing Aromatic Urea Moiety

In an attempt to develop medical materials, a new design of ester-free poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives incorporating an aromatic pendant and urea moiety is explored. The aim of the present research study was to assess whether a flexible, elastic, and degradable PTMC film can promote the mechanical properties and perform better than commercially available PTMC. To tune the mechanical and thermal properties, two kinds of ratio with a cross-linker and a monomer were investigated, as well as the introduction of urea moieties. Both vinyl benzyl- and urea-based films showed thermal degradation with 10% weight loss (T-10) of over 200 degrees C, which suggests the potential widespread use of the materials at a highly elevated temperature, such as in sterilization. The chemically modified PTMC films also have an improved glass transition temperature (T-g) up to 21 degrees C. Moreover, the incorporation of vinyl benzyl and the cross-linker markedly enhanced the elongation, tensile strength, and hydrolysis stability after 90 days. Although the materials showed slight deformation and stiffness, the urea-functionalized film has significant effects on the swelling degree. The present research demonstrates a facile modification approach for the development of ester-free TMC derivatives.

Automated summary

By incorporating aromatic pendant and urea moieties, modifications were made to poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) to improve thermal stability and mechanical properties. The chemically modified PTMC films demonstrated superior characteristics in mechanical performance and thermal properties, showing potential widespread applications at elevated temperatures.