Synthesis and Preparation of Cross-linked Films with Ester-Free Poly(trimethylene carbonate) Bearing Aromatic Urea Moiety

Abstract

In an attempt to develop medical materials, a new design of ester-free poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives incorporating an aromatic pendant and urea moiety is explored. The aim of the present research study was to assess whether a flexible, elastic, and degradable PTMC film can promote the mechanical properties and perform better than commercially available PTMC. To tune the mechanical and thermal properties, two kinds of ratio with a cross-linker and a monomer were investigated, as well as the introduction of urea moieties. Both vinyl benzyl- and urea-based films showed thermal degradation with 10% weight loss (T10) of over 200 °C, which suggests the potential widespread use of the materials at a highly elevated temperature, such as in sterilization. The chemically modified PTMC films also have an improved glass transition temperature (Tg) up to 21 °C. Moreover, the incorporation of vinyl benzyl and the cross-linker markedly enhanced the elongation, tensile strength, and hydrolysis stability after 90 days. Although the materials showed slight deformation and stiffness, the urea-functionalized film has significant effects on the swelling degree. The present research demonstrates a facile modification approach for the development of ester-free TMC derivatives.