The frustrated structure of poly(L-lactide)

J. Puiggali, Y. Ikada, H. Tsuji, L. Cartier, T. Okihara, B. Lotz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

311 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The crystal structure formed upon stretching or stroking of poly(L-lactide) is determined by electron diffraction and conformational energy analysis. It rests on a frustrated packing of three three-fold helices in a trigonal unit-cell of parameters a = b = 1.052 nm, c = 0.88 nm, space group P32. The frustrated packing is of the type described as North-South-South (NSS). This structure appears to be formed to accommodate the random up-down orientation of neighbor chains associated with rapid crystallization conditions. This randomness introduces structural disorder (c-axis shifts and azimuthal setting of neighbor helices). The resultant streaking of the diffraction pattern is modeled. Frustrated packings observed in polymeric systems that depart from three-fold symmetry, and in pseudo-racemates of low molecular weight compounds are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8921-8930
Number of pages10
Journalpolymer
Volume41
Issue number25
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 8 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Crystal structure
  • Frustration
  • Polylactide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The frustrated structure of poly(L-lactide)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this