Synthesis of Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate) from Amine Group Initiation: Role of Urethane Bonds in the Crystallinity

Semi-crystalline poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) can be efficiently prepared by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) initiated by amine using various catalysts. More promising results were reached with the one-step process of stannous octanoate unlike the two-step one-pot reaction using TBD and MSA catalysts. The ROP-amine of TMC consists in a simple isocyanate free process to produce polycarbonate-urethanes, compatible with the large availability of amines ranging from mono- to multifunctional until natural amino acids. ROP-amine of TMC leads to urethane bonds monitored by FTIR spectroscopy. The relationship between the nature of amines and the crystallinity of PTMC was discussed through X-ray diffraction and thermal studies by DSC and TGA. The impact of the crystallinity was also demonstrated on the mechanical properties of semi-crystalline PTMC in comparison to amorphous PTMC, synthesized by ROP initiated by alcohol. The semi-crystalline PTMC synthesized by ROP-amine opens many perspectives.