Promoting Co-Crystallization in Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly(butylene fumarate) Blends via End-Group Functionalization

Abstract

Co-crystallization plays a crucial role in the integration and regulation of thermal and mechanical properties in polymer blends, but the poor compatibility of the components in the crystal phase has always been a major obstacle to co-crystallization, which puts forward stricter requests for linkage and interaction between different entities. On the basis of the hydrogen-bonding interaction that can promote chain stacking and thus improve miscibility, we propose that crystalline/crystalline blends of 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy)-functionalized poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene fumarate) (PBS-UPy/PBF-UPy) where UPy groups with quadruple hydrogen-bonding interaction are employed to connect different chain ends, could inhibit phase separation and improve co-crystallization. PBS-UPy/PBF-UPy blends exhibit complex component-dependent and cooling-rate-dependent co-crystallization behavior. A high level of co-crystallization occurs in the range of PBS-UPy-rich fractions, and the proportion could approach over 98% under optimized conditions with the aid of UPy quadruple hydrogen bonds interaction. This work enriches the understanding of co-crystallization in crystalline/crystalline polymer blends and provides more possibility for the design of structures and properties of polymer materials.

Manipulating the Co-crystallization Behavior in Isomorphic Copolymers by Introducing a Third Monomeric Unit

“…Consequently, BS units were not completely equal to BF but less favorable in the lattices, as revealed in some previous studies. 19,22 When 10 mol % BA units were randomly copolymerized, the ϕ BS values became even lower than that in PBSF series, corresponding to the larger ϵ value. The incorporation of 10 mol % BA units made the capacity of BS unit in the lattice more difficult.…”

“…Further investigation on PBS/PBF blends unveiled that the co-crystallization behavior was blending ratio-dependent, and the isomorphism phenomenon was only produced in PBS-rich blends. 19 Even though telechelic polymer strategy with strong hydrogen-bonding interaction was used to improve the compatibility, the isomorphism was still limited in PBS-rich blends, 22 meaning BF was favored in PBS (or PBS-like) lattice but the reverse was not. The packing differentiation of BF and BS in the co-crystal has been obviously revealed.…”

Core–shell BaPP@BDO-Rh benzimidazole oligomer photocatalyst can effectively promote NADH regeneration and CO2 conversion to fumarate

“…27 Additionally, fumarate is employed as a raw material in the production of polyester resins, paints, plastics, and other chemical compounds. 28,29 While traditional chemical synthesis methods face challenges, biological enzyme-mediated CO 2 -to-fumarate conversion has been reported. 30,31 However, the low efficiency and conversion rates of this approach severely limit its industrial application, necessitating the development of more efficient photocatalysts for NADH regeneration to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.…”