Preparation and Characterization of PEG/PLA Multiblock and Triblock Copolymer

A series of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) tri and multiblock copolymers with relatively high molecular weights were synthesized through the coupling reaction between the bis(acyl chloride) of carboxylated PLA and mono or dihydroxy PEG. The coupling reaction and the copolymer structures were monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The melting temperature (Tm) of PEG blocks decreased with the presence of PLA sequences attaching to PEG blocks. The CMC values were determined to be 10-145 mg/L depending on the length of PLA and PEG blocks and the structure of the block copolymers.