Role of Ammonia in Poly(propylene carbonate) Degradation under Accelerated Composting Conditions

Abstract

Atactic polycarbonate with the content of carbonate units above 99% has been synthesized by the copolymerization of racemic propylene oxide and carbon dioxide mediated by the salen complex of cobalt and bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride. Its biodegradation under accelerated composting conditions has been studied. It has been shown that ammonia is the main abiotic degradant during the composting of poly(propylene carbonate). Polymer degradation proceeds at a low rate, is accompanied by a gradual decrease in molecular weight, and yields propylene glycol.