Novel Preparation Method for Poly(L-lactide)-Based Block Copolymers: Extended Chain Crystallites as a Solid-State Macro-Coinitiator

A novel synthetic method for poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)-based diblock copolymers was developed by the use of PLLA extended chain crystallites (or crystalline residues) as a solid-state macro-coinitiator. In this study, we showed one example, i.e., a synthesis of diblock copolymer composed of a crystalline PLLA chain and an amorphous poly(DL-lactide) chain by ring- opening polymerization of DL-lactide initiated with stannous octoate (i.e., tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate) in the presence of PLLA extended chain crystallites. The PLLA extended chain crystallites were prepared by hydrolytic degradation of crystallized PLLA films at 97 degree C for 70 h. The chains inside the extended chain crystallites are expected to be protected from transesterfication reaction. Gel permeation chromatography, polarimetry, super(1)H NMR spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the diblock copolymer poly(L-lactide- block-DL-lactide) was successfully prepared without significant transesterification.