Study of a (trimethylenecarbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) polymer part 1: preparation of a new nerve guide through controlled random copolymerization using rare earth catalysts.

Abstract

Random copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and epsilon-caprolactone have been synthesized through ring-opening polymerization using rare earth alkoxides as initiator. The structure of the copolymers has been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Their thermal behaviour, their permeability to liquid and their mechanical properties have also been evaluated. These copolymers have been used to process a new nerve guide.