LOW MW PGA vs HIGH MW PGA

The molecular weight( MW) of polyglycolic acid (PGA) plays a decisive role in determining its mechanical performance and dissolution behavior.  The molecular weight of commercially available PGA typically ranges from below 100K to 300K or above. As molecular weight increases, chain entanglement density rises, leading to significantly higher tensile strength, modulus, and resistance to brittle fracture.

High‑MW PGA forms a more coherent crystalline–amorphous network, which slows water penetration and hydrolytic chain scission, resulting in much longer dissolution times. In contrast, low‑MW PGA behaves more like an oligomeric material: it has limited chain entanglement, lower mechanical integrity, and a much faster hydrolysis rate due to higher end‑group concentration and easier water diffusion.

As a result, low‑MW PGA dissolves rapidly and lacks structural strength, while ultra‑high‑MW PGA provides robust mechanical performance and controlled, long‑term degradation. This strong dependence on molecular weight underpins why PGA grades must be carefully selected or engineered for specific applications ranging from fast‑dissolving frac plugs to high‑strength biomedical implants.

However, ultra-high-MW PGA may exhibit very high viscosity which makes it difficult to process. Tekma proudly brings our technologies to optimize the performances of TecoMax PGA.  M-2000 has more than 30% tensile elongation while still keeping great processabilities.




LINEAR PGA vs BRANCHED PGA

Linear PGA consists of long, unbranched chains that pack efficiently into a highly ordered crystalline lattice, giving the material its signature high modulus and high tensile strength.

Branched PGA introduces side‑chain junctions that disrupt chain packing, reduce crystallinity, and increase amorphous content. This structural improves toughness, melt stability, and processability by increasing chain entanglement and reducing brittleness. The amorphous content absorb moisture faster which also speeds up degradation.

As a result, linear PGA is ideal for applications requiring maximum strength, while branched PGA offers a more balanced profile with improved toughness and tensile elongation. Tekma offers both linear and branched PGA. 



PGA DISSOLUTION RATE IN WATER
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