Abstract
The solid-state polymerization of halogenoacetates leads quantitatively to polyglycolide (polyglycolic acid) and an eliminated metal halide. Washing out this salt leaves highly porous polyglycolide (total pore volume about 50%) with pore sizes in the submicron range. Thorough examination of the product with different methods (DSC, IR, and X-ray diffraction) gave no indication of any remaining halogenoacetate. This distinct micromorphology should be advantageous for its application as a biomaterial. Special features of porous polyglycolide are an inherent surface roughness, a high specific surface, a higher gas permeability, and a lower density compared to conventionally prepared polyglycolide. The control over these properties should allow a fine-tuning of the biocompatibility of polyglycolide.
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