Abstract
The thermal stability of poly-ϵ-caprolactone samples obtained by ring-opening polymerization in the presence of different metal alkoxides has been investigated. A significant degradation of the polyesters is observed under isothermal conditions at 120°C. The degradation is related to the nature of the endgroup, the presence of catalyst residues, and the presence of molecular oxygen. The hydroxyl endgroups play a determinant role in the process. They probably give rise, under the influence of catalyst residues, to hydroperoxides which are responsible for the polymer degradation by a radical reaction. It is shown that this is clearly different from the change in molecular weights distribution due to the well-known ester interchange reaction (transesterification equilibrium). Resulting methods for the polymers stabilization are indicated.
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