Double propagation based on diepoxide, a facile route to high molecular weight poly(propylene carbonate)

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with number average molecular weight (M_n) higher than 200 kg/mol was prepared via the terpolymerization of carbon dioxide, propylene oxide and diepoxide using Y(CCl₃OO)₃-ZnEt₂-glycerine coordination catalyst. When equimolar ZnEt₂ and diepoxide were used, double propagation active species were generated in situ by nucleophilic attack of metal alkoxide on diepoxide, leading to PPC of doubled M_n value. The molecular weight of PPC has dramatic influence on its thermal and mechanical performances. PPC with M_n of 227 kg/mol showed modulus of 6900 MPa, while the modulus of PPC with M_n of 109 kg/mol was only 4300 MPa. Moreover, when M_n increased from 109 to 227 kg/mol, a 37 °C increase of the onset degradation temperature was observed.