CHARACTERIZATION OF PARTIALLY SATURATED POLY(PROPYLENE FUMARATE) FOR ORTHOPEDIC APPLICATION

A partially saturated linear polyester based on poly(propylene fumarat e) (PPF) was synthesized for potential application in filling skeletal defects. The synthesis was carried out according to a two-step reacti on scheme. Propylene glycol and fumaryl chloride were first combined t o form an intermediate fumaric diester. The intermediate was then subj ected to a transesterification to form the PPF-based polymer. This met hod allowed for production of a polymer with a number average molecula r weight up to 1500 and a polydispersity index of 2.8 and below. The p olymeric backbone structure was investigated through the use of FTIR a nd NMR. Kinetic studies of the transesterification allowed mapping of the molecular weight increase with reaction time. The final product wa s also characterized by thermal and solubility analysis.