Fluorine end-functionalization for enhancing water resistance of poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)
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초록
내용
Poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) is a synthetic biodegradable and biocompatible polyester that exhibits various properties depending on the composition of lactide (LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL). Their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and wettability are intensively studied to promote their wide applications in practical areas. Many researchers have been interested in using these polymers to replace disposable plastics. However, they have shown the inevitable limitations, such as easy contamination and higher water absorption of the polymers. Therefore, this study suggests PLCL derivatives with short fluorine groups with different alkyl chain lengths because the fluorine functional group can lower the polymer's surface tension, leading to higher water- and oil-repellency. The PLCL-F4C4-7 shows the lowest surface energy and great water resistance. Also, biodegradability of PLCL-F4C4 was confirmed as it showed a substantial weight loss at 46.11% in four weeks.