| abstract |
A random copolymer comprising, as repeating units,n (i) 50 to 97 mol% of 3-hydroxybutyrate unit (3HB) having the formula (I):n (ii) 1 to 25 mol% of 3-hydroxyvalerate unit (3HV) having the formula (II):n (iii) 1 to 15 mol% of 3-hydroxypropionate unit (3HP) having the formula (III): n n n n - OCH₂ CH₂ CO - (III) n n n nand n (iv) 1 to 10 mol% of 5-hydroxyvalerate unit (5HV) n n n n - OCH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CH₂ CO - (IV) n n n nwherein the total of the units 3HB, 3HV, 3HP and 5HV is 100 mol%, and having a weight average molecular weight within the range of from 10,000 to 2,500,000. |