An investigation of the thermal and (bio)degradability of PBS copolyesters based on isosorbide

Low‐crystallinity to highly amorphous copolyesters with high glass transition temperatures based on rigid carbohydrate‐derived building blocks

“…We recently have systematically investigated such a synergistic effect by incorporating IS units progressively into PBT or poly(butylene succinate). 23,24 Crystallinity is known to be a key factor determining the biodegradability of plastics. A high crystallinity of polymers, meaning a dense and ordered packing of macromolecules, tends to prevent fast diffusion of water into the inner part of the plastics.…”

“…As shown for the IS-modified poly(butylene succinate) copolyester, isosorbide succinate units degrade substantially faster than butylene succinate units. 24 Given these notable properties of such carbohydrate-derived compounds, isohexides, in particular IS that is commercially available on a metric ton scale, have been extensively explored as (co)monomers for developing novel polycondensates in the last three to four decades, including polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates and so on. 25,26 In the work reported here, we aimed to develop low-crystallinity to highly amorphous polyesters with enhanced material performance by utilizing two highly promising carbohydrate-derived building blocks, namely FDCA and IS.…”

“…Moreover, the presence of IS moieties in polymers also markedly enhances the wettability of polymer surfaces, which strongly promotes the hydrolytic/enzymatic degradation property of polymers. We recently have systematically investigated such a synergistic effect by incorporating IS units progressively into PBT or poly(butylene succinate) 23, 24 . Crystallinity is known to be a key factor determining the biodegradability of plastics.…”

Understanding structure–property relationships of main chain cyclopropane in linear polyesters

“…14 Increasing isosorbide content also correlated with the speed at which hydrolytic degradation occurred. 15 An additional structural feature to these ring systems is stereochemistry. Most rigid rings, including isohexides and cyclohexylenes, are geometrically locked which gives rise to multiple stereoisomers.…”

A systematic study of dyeing polybutylene succinate fibres

“…340°C. 7 PBS has excellent heat resistance and can be used in plastics and packaging materials. 8 Because of its excellent biodegradability, PBS has been one of the most popular biodegradable plastics since it was developed in the 1990s.…”