Poly(Ethylene Furanoate) along Its Life-Cycle from a Polycondensation Approach to High-Performance Yarn and Its Recyclate

Abstract

We report on the pilot scale synthesis and melt spinning of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), a promising bio-based fiber polymer that can heave mechanical properties in the range of commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers. Catalyst optimization and solid state polycondensation (SSP) allowed for intrinsic viscosities of PEF of up to 0.85 dLꞏg−1. Melt-spun multifilament yarns reached a tensile strength of up to 65 cN.tex−1 with an elongation of 6% and a modulus of 1370 cN.tex−1. The crystallization behavior of PEF was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and XRD after each process step, i.e., after polymerization, SSP, melt spinning, drawing, and recycling. After SSP, the previously amorphous polymer showed a crystallinity of 47%, which was in accordance with literature. The corresponding XRD diffractograms showed signals attributable to α-PEF. Additional, clearly assignable signals at 2θ > 30° are discussed. A completely amorphous structure was observed by XRD for as-spun yarns, while a crystalline phase was detected on drawn yarns; however, it was less pronounced than for the granules and independent of the winding speed.

Synthetic Biopolymers and Their Composites: Advantages and Limitations—An Overview

“…In contrast, poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), a recyclable bio‐based polyester derived from renewable resources, potentially replaces the PET market. [ 175,176 ] PEF is synthesized via polycondensation of ethylene glycol and 2,5 furan dicarboxilic acid. The lower melting temperature of PEF than PET is favorable from the processing point of view.…”

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials—Trends and Biodegradability

“…Its global market size was valued at USD 27.1 million in 2019 and is expected to expand and achieve USD 44.5 million in 2027 [ 253 ]. It is a promising material considered as an alternative to fossil-fuel-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [ 254 ]. It is mainly used for the formulation of bottles, films, and fibers [ 253 ].…”

“…PEF can be fully recyclable; however, currently, it is not biodegradable. PEF has several advantages over PET—lower melting temperature (more than a 100 °C), higher glass transition temperature T g , and twice as high moisture barrier properties [ 254 ].…”

Poly(lactic Acid): A Versatile Biobased Polymer for the Future with Multifunctional Properties—From Monomer Synthesis, Polymerization Techniques and Molecular Weight Increase to PLA Applications

“…The development of biodegradable polymers is showcased as one of the most effective innovations in the polymer industry for addressing environmental issues [ 10 ]. For this reason, biodegradable polymers are used in various applications, from biomedicine, additive technologies, film, fibers [ 11 ], packaging [ 12 , 13 ], automotive to agriculture [ 14 ].…”