Abstract:
An aliphatic polyester which is obtained by reacting a lactone and a lactide with a high-boiling monohydric alcohol or a metal alkoxide through ring-opening polymerization and in which the contents of terminal OH and COOH have been reduced to 50 % or lower and 30 % or lower, respectively, or reduced to lower values by bonding ends of the yielded polymer to a diisocyanate. It has regulated thermal, hydrolytic, and biological degradability. From the polyester composition is obtained an agricultural or horticultural, particulate composition which is capable of being regulated with respect to the duration of fertilization and leaves no decomposition products remaining in the soil. From the resin consisting mainly of a fatty acid/cellulose ester derivative are obtained: a base film for marking films which is free from problems such as the volatilization or migration of plasticizers; a thermal transfer image receptor which is capable of forming recorded images and is excellent in releasability, developed-color density, and brightness; a conductive coating composition excellent in storage stability, adhesion, and conductivity; and a one-pack type coating material, moisture-curable graft copolymer, and coating composition which each is neither toxic nor stimulant and has excellent dryability. The copolymer in which the average length of the lactide and lactone unit chains has been regulated is excellent in heat resistance and impact resistance.