Synthesis and characterization of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate)

Abstract

The first synthesis of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) by terpolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO₂), propylene oxide (PO), and N,N-dibenzyl amino glycidol (DBAG) following the removal of benzyl protecting groups. The copolymerization conditions were investigated in detail. PPC with varying monomer DBAG contents (0–3.3 mol%) was obtained in high yield. The benzyl groups of the terpolymers could be completely removed to provide amino-functionalized PPC without backbone degradation. Thermal properties and contact angles of the functionalized PPCs were measured, showing the dependence of glass transition temperature (T_g) on molecular weight and the expected increase in hydrophilicity with increasing content of amino entities.