The influence of chain-end functionalization and stereocomplexation on the degradation stability under alkaline condition

Hydrolytic degradation of polylactides (PLAs) bearing cinnamic acid derivatives was conducted and their thermal degradation temperature at 10% weight loss (T-10) and melting point temperature (T-m) were measured, to confirm that a PLA stereocomplex could be modified for use in a wide range of application. The improved T-10 values of PLA films by chain end modification were maintained after the alkaline degradation. The increase in T-m by stereocomplex formation was also maintained after degradation with a slight change in the melting point of the attached homopolymer. The present results indicate the suitability of chain end modification for the additional functionality of PLA stereocomplex films.

Automated summary

The hydrolytic degradation of PLAs bearing cinnamic acid derivatives was conducted to modify PLA stereocomplex for a wide range of applications. The study showed that chain end modification improved the thermal properties and melting point of PLA, making it suitable for additional functionalities in PLA stereocomplex films.