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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...

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Updated: May 13, 2025

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Polyethylene glycol and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation

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Published on: October 29, 2013

PLLA-PEG/mPEG Copolymer with Improved Hydrophilicity, Crystallinity, and Biocompatibility: An In-Depth Study on the

Ruixian Lian^1,2, Dong Zhou¹, Lan Xiao³

¹The Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Centre for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|May 11, 2025

Summary

This study enhanced poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) biomaterials by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. The modified PLLA copolymers show improved crystallinity and hydrophilicity, expanding their use in sustainable biopolymer applications.

Keywords:

activation energy biocompatibility crystallinity hydrophilicity kinetics poly(l-lactic acid)

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Published on: October 10, 2016

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Last Updated: May 13, 2025

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Polyethylene glycol and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation

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Published on: October 29, 2013

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Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions

Published on: October 10, 2016

Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Materials Science
Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer with potential for biomaterials.
Limited crystallinity of PLA restricts its practical applications.
Copolymerization offers a route to enhance PLA properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) copolymers with varying polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain lengths.
To investigate the effect of PEG incorporation on PLLA hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and crystallization behavior.
To evaluate the potential of these copolymers as improved biopolymer materials.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of PLLA copolymers via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide with PEG/mPEG (1K and 2K).
Characterization of copolymer properties including hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and crystallization kinetics.
Analysis of crystallization activation energy.

Main Results:

Incorporation of PEG/mPEG chains significantly enhanced hydrophilicity and crystallinity of PLLA copolymers.
PEG/mPEG chains increased the crystallization rate and decreased the maximum crystallization temperature.
PLLA-mPEG (2K) demonstrated the most significant improvements in crystallinity and crystallization rate.

Conclusions:

The synthesized PLLA-PEG copolymers exhibit improved properties compared to neat PLLA.
The enhanced hydrophilicity and crystallinity expand potential applications for PLLA-based biomaterials.
These modified PLLA copolymers represent promising sustainable and controllable biopolymer materials.