Color Fixation Strategies on Sustainable Poly-Butylene Succinate Using Biobased Itaconic Acid

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Biopolybutylene succinate (bioPBS) is a biodegradable polymer with potential as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics.
• Enhancing bioPBS aesthetical and mechanical properties is crucial for its adoption in automotive and household appliance sectors.
• Current bioPBS applications are limited by challenges in color stability and mechanical performance compared to conventional polymers like polypropylene (PP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the aesthetical and mechanical properties of bioPBS for specific applications.
• To evaluate the effects of itaconic acid (IA) and zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles as additives in bioPBS.
• To develop bioPBS composites with properties comparable to polypropylene (PP).

Main Methods:

• Twelve bioPBS biocomposites were prepared with varying combinations of a red colorant, itaconic acid (IA), and zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles.
• Materials were characterized to assess color, gloss, Young's Modulus, and elongation at break.
• Aging studies were conducted over four weeks to evaluate material stability.

Main Results:

• Itaconic acid (IA) addition resulted in a slight yellowish hue and modified gloss due to nanocrystal formation and light scattering.
• Low IA concentrations (4 wt%) maintained Young's Modulus and increased elongation at break.
• IA accelerated bioPBS hydrolysis during aging, causing phase disaggregation, softening, and rigidization.
• Low zirconia (ZrO2) concentrations (2 wt%) enhanced surface hardness with minimal impact on other properties, while higher concentrations led to aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Itaconic acid (IA) shows potential for color fixation in biobased polymers.
• Zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles can improve surface hardness of bioPBS.
• Further research is needed to mitigate the negative aging effects of IA on bioPBS mechanical properties.