Poly(Propylene Carbonate), Old Copolymers of Propylene Oxide and Carbon Dioxide with New Interests: Catalysis and Material Properties

Current research efforts in the field of poly(propylene carbonate) prepared from carbon dioxide and propylene oxide are reviewed. Interest in the polymer has been revived in light of the current discussion on sustainability and biodegradability. The progress in understanding and increasing the activity of heterogeneous zinc catalysts is steadily increasing, but without a quantum leap. The microstructure, the properties of the melt, and the solid material are given. The material property profile can be expanded through the synthesis of terpolymers based on propylene oxide, carbon dioxide and other epoxides, lactones or anhydrides etc. with the same catalyst; or the preparation of poly(propylene carbonate) blends with biodegradable or biocompatible components like calcium carbonate, wood flour, fibers, or other biodegradable polymers.

Keywords:

• biodegradability
• blends
• carbon dioxide
• catalysis
• polypropylene carbonate
• propylene oxide

Acknowledgements

I express my gratitude to my colleges Dr. Cox, Dr. Molnar, Dr. Wassner, and Dr.Gabriel for the essential help in the analysis of the crystal structure of zinc glutarate, molecular mechanics, and rheology of propylene carbonate.