Biodegradable network elastomeric polyesters from multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diols

Biodegradable elastomeric network polyesters were prepared from multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids such as tricarballylic acid (Yt) or meso-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (Xb) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) diols with molecular weights of 530, 1,250 and 2,000 g.mol-1. Prepolymers prepared by a melt polycondensation were cast from DMF solution and postpolymerized at 280 degrees C for various periods of times to form a network. The resultant films were transparent, flexible and insoluble in organic solvents. The network polyesters obtained were characterized by IR absorption spectra, WAXS, density measurement, DSC, and tensile test. YtPCL1250, and XbPCL1250 network polyester films showed good elastomeric properties with high ultimate elongation (540-590%), and low Young's modulus (2.5-3.3 MPa). The enzymatic degradation was estimated by the weight loss of network films in a buffer solution with Rhizopus delemar lipase at 37 degrees C. The degree and rate of degradation were significantly affected by the molecular weight of PCL diol, chemical structures of multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids and the morphology of network films. The changes in the solid states of network films during the degradation were also estimated by the results of DSC and WAXS. [see text]