Polymer, Vol.158, 198-203, 2018
Porous poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microspheres via UV photodegradation of block copolymers prepared by RAFT polymerization
Porous biodegradable microspheres were fabricated by successful RAFT polymerization of methyl vinyl ketone onto polycaprolactone followed by an oil/water emulsion-evaporation method, then finally photodegradation of PMVK blocks by UV irradiation. Macro-CTA (chain transfer agent) was synthesized by reacting carboxylic acid-terminated CTA, S-1-dodecyl-S'-(alpha,alpha'-dimethyl-alpha ''-acetic acid) trithiocarbonate (DDMAT) with hydroxyl terminated polycaprolactone, which was then used for the synthesis of triblock copolymer with methyl vinyl ketone (MVK). The synthesized triblock copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, H-1 NMR spectroscopies. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to evaluate the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution and monitored the photodegradability of the block copolymers. The morphology of microspheres was spherical with smooth surfaces before UV irradiation. However, those from PCL-PMVK triblock copolymers had rough surfaces and porous structures after UV irradiation due to the photodegradation of PMVK blocks as a porous template. The porosity and shape of the microspheres and shape of microspheres were dependent on the PMVK contents and size of microspheres.