The influence of chain‐end functionalization and stereocomplexation on the degradation stability under alkaline condition.

Hydrolytic degradation of polylactides (PLAs) bearing cinnamic acid derivatives was conducted and their thermal degradation temperature at 10% weight loss (T10) and melting point temperature (Tm) were measured, to confirm that a PLA stereocomplex could be modified for use in a wide range of application. The improved T10 values of PLA films by chain end modification were maintained after the alkaline degradation. The increase in Tm by stereocomplex formation was also maintained after degradation with a slight change in the melting point of the attached homopolymer. The present results indicate the suitability of chain end modification for the additional functionality of PLA stereocomplex films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]