Various copolyesters of lactide, isosorbide, and terephthalic acid are prepared by a two-step process performed in a 'one-pot' procedure, beginning with an isosorbide-initiated oligomerization of L-lactide followed by polycondensation with terephthaloyl chloride using SnCl2 as a catalyst for both steps. The SEC data show the formation of random copolyesters with high polydispersities as a consequence of the relatively high fraction of cyclics proved by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The glass-transition temperatures (89–180 °C) obey an almost linear trend with the molar composition. The thermostability decreases with increasing lactide content. The successful incorporation of phenyl phosphate results in copolyesters of lower inflammability.
The European Construction Products Regulation allows Member States to adopt rules for evaluating the environmental impact of their buildings. The aim of the project was to develop recommendations for a test battery for the ecotoxicological assessment of the environmental impact of construction products for outdoor use and contribute to the European harmonization of test methods. From a shortlist of 39 products 20 products were included in the ecotoxicological testing program. Monolithic and plate-like construction products were eluted in the Dynamic Surface Leaching test (DSLT) in accordance with CEN/TS 16637-2, granular products were eluted in a one stage batch test in accordance with DIN EN 12457-1. The eluates were examined in four aquatic toxicity tests (algae, daphnia, luminescent bacteria, fish eggs), a genotoxicity test (umu test) and in the respirometer test (OECD 301 F). Here, low to very high ecotoxicity was observed (up to a dilution factor of 1536). Six out of 8 eluates, whose TOC exceeded 10 mg L⁻1 showed a good biodegradability above 75%. The intra-laboratory repeatability of the Lowest Ineffective Dilution (LID) usually was within ±1 dilution steps (ecotoxicity tests) and ±2 dilution steps (leaching and ecotoxicity tests). This is acceptable, when considering that the overall variability of sample preparation, leaching test, and bioassays add up. The conclusions lead to practical recommendations for a suitable combination of leaching and ecotoxicity tests.
This study proposes a new guideline for designing biodegradable apatite ceramics. Boron-containing hydroxyapatite (BHAp) particles were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction processing method and were characterized in terms of their chemical composition, apatite lattice defects and in vitro biodegradability. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that boron-incorporation into hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived by thermo-chemical reactions between borate and calcium phosphate phases led to disordered phases (BCaP) of a CaO–P2O5–B2O3–OH system covering the crystalline HAp core. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the BCaP phase must consist mainly of a crystalline oxyboroapatite (OBAp) phase. An in vitro biodegradability test showed that BHAp degraded quicker than HAp or ß-tricalcium phosphate. The biodegradability of BHAp particles can be controlled by boron incorporation into a HAp lattice leading to the formation of a disordered OBAp phase.