Preparation and characterization of a biodegradable polyester elastomer with thermal processing abilities

We studied the condensing reaction of sebacic acid and glycerol and prepared biodegradable elastomers. Swelling experiments proved that the elastomers were crosslinked polyesters consisting of both insoluble parts (gel) and soluble parts (sol), but the content of sol was higher than gel. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that some ordered and crystallized structures existed in most of the elastomers. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed that there were both crystal regions and amorphous regions with low glass‐transition temperatures in the products, which indicated the elastomers had a microphase separation structure. The elastomers exhibited thermal processing abilities, such as mold‐shaping performance, and a certain elasticity, and hydroxyl, carboxyl, and ester groups in the molecular chains endowed the elastomers with good biodegradation abilities. Furthermore, by altering the molar ratio of the reactants, we were able to adjust the mechanical properties, biodegradable performance, and so on of the elastomers. Glycerol and polymers containing sebacic acid have been approved for biological medical uses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so the elastomers we prepared would have broad application in medical fields such as implants and drug‐delivery systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2033–2041, 2005