Synthesis of a new “green” sponge via transesterification of dimethyl carbonate with polyvinyl alcohol and foaming approach

In this article, the low toxicity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) were used to synthesize polyvinyl alcohol carbonate (PVAC) sponge via a simple transesterification-foaming approach, and the structure and morphology of PVAC sponge were characterized; moreover, the influence of dosage of K₂CO₃, PVA, distilled water and n-pentane on the water retention capacity of PVAC sponge were investigated, and the influence of reaction temperature and reaction time on the water retention capacity of PVAC sponge were also surveyed. Based on those, it was confirmed that 9.00 g PVA and 5.00 mL DMC in the presence of 2.00 g K₂CO₃ and 50.00 mL water could be used to synthesize PVAC polymer at 75?°C and for 2.5 h via the transesterification approach, and PVAC polymer in the presence of 5.00 mL n-pentane could be used to synthesize PVAC sponge at 55?°C and for 10 h via the foaming approach, and PVAC sponge owned the structure of six-membered lactone ring and the polyporous morphology, and the maximal water retention capacity was 21.50 g/g.