Poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-ε-caprolactone): A new bio-based elastomer with high strength and biodegradability

Abstract

Abstract.A new bio-based elastomer, poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-ε-caprolactone) (PBFCL), has been synthesized from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and ε-caprolactone successfully for the first time. The obtained copolyester was characterized in terms of chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties, and enzymatic degradability. In PBFCL elastomer, butylene-2,5-furandiacrboxylate units (hard segments) crystallize to serve as physical crosslinks while ε-caprolactone polyester diol (soft segments) provide flexibility. PBFCL is a multi-blocked copolyester with randomly distributed rigid and soft segments. It possesses original feature of high strength and biodegradability stemming from the uses of aromatic and aliphatic monomers respectively. An important aspect of this new furanic-aliphatic polyester is its tailor-made properties simply achieved by changing the content of hard or soft segments. Typically, PBFCL-40 of optimal composition has Young's modulus as low as 15.4 MPa, tensile strength as high 24.8 MPa, and elongation as long as 885%.

Poly(decamethylene terephthalamide) copolymerized with long‐chain alkyl dodecanedioic acid: Toward bio‐based polymer and improved performances

“…As presented in Figure (a), each DMA trace presents a single peak, and the peaks of these curves are attributed to the α‐relaxation of amorphous continuous phase . It is well known that the α‐relaxation temperature ( T α ) is associated with glass transition temperature ( T g ), and lots of researchers take T α as T g . In order to qualitatively analyze the thermal performance of these copolyamides, T α is considered as T g in this research.…”

Blocky poly(ɛ‐caprolactone‐co‐butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) copolyesters via enzymatic ring opening polymerization

“…On the contrary, PBF is quite resistant to the aqueous media both with and without enzymes added. The biodegradability of PCL‐PBF copolyesters prepared by polycondensation has been explored by following by SEM the morphological changes taking place on the surface of samples incubated in water for four weeks . This study reported that the copolyesters were eroded in an extent that increased with the content in CL units.…”

“…A series of copolyesters covering the almost full range of compositions are prepared and duly characterized, and their thermal properties and degradability evaluated as well. It should be mentioned that a set of PBF‐PCL copolyesters with a similar chemical composition has been recently described by Zheng et al These copolyesters were prepared by a combination of polycondensation and ROP procedures and they have a microstructure made of soft and hard segments characteristic of thermoplastic elastomers.…”

Degradability comparison of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and its composites filled with starch and calcium carbonate in different aquatic environments

“…Initially, commercially biodegradable aliphatic polyester received the closest attention as a replacement for conventional plastics in many applications because of their excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, polyester chains joined together by ester bonds can be decomposed by microorganisms in soil and through hydrolysis into carbon dioxide and water, which are harmless to the environment …”