In vitro chemical degradation of poly(glycolic acid) pellets and fibers

Abstract

The influence of macroscopic dimensions, heat treatment, and polymer morphology on the chemical degradation of poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fibers and pellets was examined in media of different pH values by monitoring the sample mass, dimensions, crystallinity, mechanical strength, and surface character. The degradation was found to be chemically controlled and independent of fiber size. The rate was an order of magnitude faster in alkaline vs. acidic media. In general, the pellets degraded faster than fibers, and while the latter showed little surface deterioration, scanning electron photomicrographs of the pellets revealed considerable surface degradation with circumferential microcracks progressing into longitudinal cracks with increasing immersion times and pH. Concomitantly, DSC measurements showed a steady increase in crystallinity for both fibers and pellets. The fiber tensile strength decline was independent of diameter and more drastic in alkaline media. Additionally, the heat‐treated fiber was always stronger than the non‐heat‐treated one. It is concluded that crystallinity and polymer chain orientation, in addition to immersion media, influence PGA degradation. Also, the loss in strength results from chain scission in the amorphous regions while mass loss occurs when polymer chains become small enough to be soluble. These different variables offer a means of modifying PGA fiber tensile properties.