Polyalkylene carbonate obtained from biodegradable co2 and with self-healing properties

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polyalkylene carbonate, preferably PRC, and the use thereof in packaging, in coating surfaces, in cosmetics, in the biomedical or textile sector or to produce composite materials or moisture absorption devices. Preferably, said polyalkylene carbonate is obtained by reacting CO2 with an alkyl epoxide preferably containing at least 3 atoms of carbon, preferably propylene oxide, in the presence of a zinc dicarboxylate catalyst; said catalyst being obtained by reacting, with a preferably saturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, a zinc-based compound comprising a mixture of ZnO and a compound having the general formula (I): Znx(0H)y(L)z-nH2 O (I) wherein L is selected in the group consisting of: NO3, CH3CO2, (SO4)0.5, halide, and acetyl acetonate (AcAc), 2x = y + z; wherein x is comprised between 1 and 5, y is comprised between 1 and 8, z is comprised between 1 and 2, and n is comprised between 0 and 20