Modification of Polycaprolactone with Plant Extracts to Improve the Aging Resistance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers require stabilization against degradation.
• Natural extracts offer potential as eco-friendly anti-aging additives.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a widely used biodegradable polymer susceptible to aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of natural plant extracts (coffee, cocoa, cinnamon) as anti-aging compounds for polycaprolactone.
• To compare the performance of these natural extracts against a synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene.
• To determine the optimal concentration of natural extracts for effective stabilization without compromising material properties.

Main Methods:

• Polycaprolactone composites were prepared with 0.5-10 wt.% of coffee, cocoa, or cinnamon extracts.
• Materials underwent accelerated aging (elevated temperature, humidity, UV exposure) for up to 2160 hours.
• Performance was assessed via visual inspection, FTIR, melt flow rate, tensile, impact strength, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry.

Main Results:

• Natural extracts at concentrations up to 1 wt.% did not negatively impact material properties.
• Stabilization performance of the extracts was comparable to or exceeded that of butylated hydroxytoluene.
• Lower extract concentrations (≤1 wt.%) were found to be particularly advantageous for polycaprolactone stabilization.

Conclusions:

• Natural extracts from coffee, cocoa, and cinnamon are viable, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic anti-aging additives for biodegradable polymers.
• Optimal concentrations of these natural extracts can effectively enhance the aging resistance of polycaprolactone.
• Further research into natural extract stabilization holds promise for sustainable material development.