Novel Biobased Copolymers Based on Poly(butylene succinate) and Cutin: In Situ Synthesis and Structure Properties...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) is a biodegradable polyester.
• Cutin, a natural polymer, offers potential for modifying polyester properties.
• Developing novel PBSu-based copolymers is crucial for advanced biodegradable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize poly(butylene succinate)-cutin (PBSu-cutin) copolymers.
• To investigate the effect of cutin incorporation on PBSu properties.
• To evaluate the biodegradability and potential applications of the new copolymers.

Main Methods:

• Two-stage melt polycondensation for copolymer synthesis.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, PLM, and DRS.
• Assessment of thermal stability, crystallization behavior, hydrophilicity, and degradation.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of PBSu-cutin copolymers confirmed by spectroscopic and thermal analyses.
• Cutin incorporation facilitated PBSu crystallization, with optimal effects at lower concentrations.
• Enhanced thermal stability and reduced hydrophilicity observed in copolymers.
• Cutin accelerated enzymatic hydrolysis and soil degradation rates.

Conclusions:

• PBSu-cutin copolymers exhibit modified properties, including improved crystallizability and thermal stability.
• Cutin acts as a modifier, influencing PBSu's physical and degradation characteristics.
• These copolymers show promise for applications requiring controlled biodegradability.