Urethane Ionic Groups Induced Rapid Crystallization of Biodegradable Poly(ethylene succinate).

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) are crucial for sustainable materials.
• Controlling the crystallization behavior of biodegradable polymers is key to tailoring their properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel biodegradable poly(ester urethane) ionomer (PESI) by incorporating urethane ionic groups into PES.
• To investigate the effect of these ionic groups on the crystallization kinetics and mechanism of PES.

Main Methods:

• Chain extension reaction of poly(ethylene succinate) diol (HO-PES-OH) with diethanolamine hydrochloride (DEAH) using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI).
• Characterization of the synthesized poly(ester urethane) ionomer (PESI) and comparison with unmodified PES.

Main Results:

• A novel segmented poly(ester urethane) ionomer (PESI) with urethane ionic groups was successfully synthesized.
• Incorporation of 3 mol % urethane ionic groups dramatically accelerated the crystallization rate of PES.
• PESI exhibited enhanced nucleation density and slightly reduced spherulitic growth rate compared to PES.
• The crystallization mechanism remained unchanged, with acceleration attributed to improved nucleation efficiency via hard segment aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Urethane ionic groups significantly enhance the crystallization rate of biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) through improved nucleation.
• Ionic interactions within the hard segments play a critical role in promoting nucleation efficiency.
• This strategy offers a pathway to tailor the properties of biodegradable polymers for specific applications.