Partially Bio-Based and Biodegradable Poly(Propylene Terephthalate-Co-Adipate) Copolymers: Synthesis, Thermal...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Developing sustainable and biodegradable polymers is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• Poly(propylene terephthalate-co-adipate) (PPTA) copolymers offer potential as alternatives to conventional plastics.
• Controlling the properties of these copolymers is key to their practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize partially bio-based and biodegradable PPTA random copolymers.
• To investigate the influence of varying component content on microstructure, thermal, and degradation properties.
• To evaluate the enzymatic degradation behavior and kinetics of the developed copolymers.

Main Methods:

• Melt polycondensation of bio-based 1,3-propanediol with petro-based adipic acid and terephthalic acid.
• Analysis of microstructure, crystallization, and thermal properties using various analytical techniques.
• Investigation of thermal decomposition kinetics via Friedman's method.
• Enzymatic degradation studies monitored by 1H NMR and SEM.

Main Results:

• Synthesized PPTA copolymers with tunable properties by adjusting component ratios.
• Observed decreased crystallinity and wettability with increased content of the third unit.
• Demonstrated excellent thermal stability with decomposition temperatures above 350 °C.
• Confirmed surface degradation mechanism and significant degradation within 30 days, with accelerated rates above 45.36% PA content.

Conclusions:

• Partially bio-based PPTA copolymers exhibit tunable thermal stability and biodegradability.
• The incorporation of adipate units effectively modifies copolymer properties, including degradation rate.
• These materials show promise for applications requiring biodegradable and thermally stable polymers.