Synthesis of block copolymers of poly(p-dioxanone) block poly(tetrahydrofuran)

The triblock copolymers of poly(p-dioxanone)-b-poly(tetrahydrofuran)-b-poly(p-dioxanone) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone in the presence of dihydroxyl poly(tetrahydrofuran)(PTHF) using stannous octoate (SnOct(2)) as a catalyst. The effects of feed ratio, reaction time and reaction temperature on the copolymerization were investigated. It was found that the optimal reaction temperature and time were 80 degrees C and 42 hours, respectively, and the molar ratio of p-dioxanone/SnOct(2) (PDO/cat.) had little influence on the inherent viscosity of the copolymers. The triblock copolymers were characterized by various analytical techniques such as H-1-NMR and DSC.