Synthesis And Characterization Of Poly (Glycolic Acid) By Azeotropic Polycondensation

Abstract

Poly (glycolic acid) synthesis was achieved through azeotropic polycondensation of a Hydroxy acid (glycolic acid), in the presence of a catalyst (SnCl2, 2H2O) and an organic solvent, xylene, at a temperature of 170°C for 10 hours under atmospheric pressure. The synthesized product was characterized using several analytical methods: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and viscometric molecular weight measurement. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic absorption bands corresponding to different functional groups of poly (glycolic acid). XRD analysis revealed the presence of a crystalline phase constituting approximately 26%. The molecular weight of the synthesized poly(glycolic acid) was determined to be 9300 g/mol.