MALDI-TOF Analysis of the Secondary Processes Occurring During the Ring Opening Polymerization of Caprolactone Initiated by HEMA

12 páginas.Short 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA)-oligocaprolactone macromonomers were synthesized at different temperatures from 100° to 190°C by bulk ring opening polymerization using HEMA as initiator and stannous octoate as catalyst. The crude products were analysed by MALDI-TOF and NMR and the influence of the temperature on the reaction was studied. In addition to transesterification (found at temperatures of 130°C and higher), other secondary reactions involving HEMA breakdown were also identified at these temperatures. In these processes, difunctional acrylic compounds may be formed.Peer reviewe