Yuan-yuan PEI, Tao WEN. Progress in Synthesis of Polyester Polymers Based on Lactide Derivatives[J]. Polymer Bulletin, 2022,35(1):32-45. DOI: 10.14028/j.cnki.1003-3726.2022.01.005.
Due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability
polylactide (PLA) has a wide range of applications in many fields. However
the application of PLA is limited by its poor heat resistance
and it is challenging to be chemically modified nor functionalized. In recent years
lots of studies on the chemical modification and functionalization of PLA were carried out. In particular
synthesis and polymerization of lactones with different structures were developed
which providing an efficient approach to develop PLA-derived polymers with given side-chain structures by ring-opening polymerization. While retaining the biodegradability and biocompatibility of PLA
these PLA-derived polymers could possess better heat resistance and rich functionality. This review will introduce two methods for preparing PLA-derived polymers: direct chemical modification and ring-opening polymerization of lactones. Also
the application of PLA-derived polymers are summarized.