Synthesis of waterborne degradable polyester nanoparticles by free radical emulsion polymerization.

Abstract

Three different approaches were followed for the synthesis of degradable polyester nanoparticles. First, polymers with ester groups containing and therefore degradable side-chains were synthesized by the polymerization of acrylated oligoesters (macromonomers). Di-acrylated oligoesters (crosslinkers) were used in a standard waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) formulation in the second approach to synthesize PSAs with degradable (ester groups containing) crosslinks. The degradability and removability of this kind of PSA was demonstrated. Two different approaches were evaluated for the synthesis of polyester nanoparticles with ester groups in the backbone of the polymer. On the one hand the free radial step growth thiol-ene polymerization of ester groups containing dienes and/or dithiols. A model was therefore developed to obtain information about the complex mechanism of the thiol-ene polymerization kinetics. On the other hand the radical ring opening co-polymerization of the cyclic ketene acetal 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane with common co-monomers.