Abstract
AbstractABA triblock copolymers of polylactides (PLA: A) and aliphatic polycarbonates (APC: B) were prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of d‐ and l‐lactides with poly(hexamethylene carbonate) diol and poly(hexamethylene/pentamethylene carbonate) diol (PHPC) as macro‐initiators. The enantiomeric copolymers with similar block sequences (PLLA‐APC‐PLLA and PDLA‐APC‐PDLA) were mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio to form a stereocomplex of PLA blocks. The resultant stereo mixtures were found to be more thermally stable (up to 200 °C) than the single block copolymers. Polymer films of the stereo mixtures PLLA‐PHPC‐PLLA/PDLA‐PHPC‐PDLA exhibited higher elongation and lower modulus. It was therefore evident that the present enantiomeric block copolymer system can be applicable as a novel thermoplastic elastomer that is environmentally friendly in terms of its biobased nature and the use of carbon dioxide as feedstock. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
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