Synthesis and properties of poly(butylene succinate): Efficiency of different transesterification catalysts

Abstract

International audienceThe efficiency of organometal- (Ti, Zr, Sn, Hf, and Bi) and metal oxide- (Ge and Sb) based catalysts was investigated during the transesterification step of the synthesis of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). PBS was prepared from succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol via a two-stage melt polycondensation process. The catalytic efficiency of the organometal catalysts was as follows: Ti≫Zr∼ Sn>Hf>Sb>Bi. The germanium and antimony metal oxides displayed desirable catalytic efficiency when were associated with hydroxy acids (lactic acid or glycolic acid), which acted as chelating agents. However, this catalytic system exhibited lower efficiency compared to the titanium system. Furthermore, at high concentrations of hydroxy acids the overall transesterification rate decreased. This effect can be explained by the substitution of PBS hydroxyl end groups by a lactic or glycolic unit, both of which are less reactive during the transesterification reaction. The role of catalytic residues during the storage and processing of PBS was also studied. The reduced viscosity of the PBS samples did not vary when processing at 190 °C from 1 to 10 minutes. However, when stored under ambient conditions, all PBS samples were prone to significant hydrolytic degradation, especially those containing a titanium catalyst. This behavior indicates that zirconium- and germanium-based catalysts could be interesting substitutes for titanium-based catalysts

Ex-ante Life Cycle Assessment approach developed for a case study on bio-based polybutylene succinate

“…In particular, succinic acid can be produced from starch, glucose or cellulose through yeast-based or bacterial fermentation, with a relevant potential reduction in CO 2 emissions (Smidt et al, 2011). Furthermore, bio-based succinic acid can become the source for a "green" C4 chemical derivatives platform, including 1,4-butanediol (Deshpande et al, 2002;Jacquel et al, 2011;Minh et al, 2010;Patel, 2006;Werpy et al, 2004). The Japanese company Showa Highpolymer has successfully produced PBS at pilot scale using bio-based succinic acid.…”

“…This is the case of innovative bio-based polymers. The present study is focused on polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biopolymer that is gaining interest, particularly as a replacement for petroleum-based polyolefins (Caulier and Segueilha, 2010;Jacquel et al, 2011), aiming to evaluate the potential impact of its introduction onto the market. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific and structured methodology, based on international standards (ISO 14040, 2010), that represents the reference for environmental impact assessment.…”

Synthesis of poly(butylene succinate) using metal catalysts

“…During the fermentation process, CO 2 is consumed, contributing to carbon sequestration [32]. On the other hand, 1,4-butanediol can be obtained through hydrogenation and reduction of succinic acid [33].…”

Preparo de nanocompósitos de poli(succinato de butileno) (PDS) e argila motmorilonita organofílica via polimerização in situ

“…Além disso, deseja-se reduzir a dependência de recursos fósseis para a fabricação de diversos produtos a partir do desenvolvimento de materiais poliméricos "verdes", que podem ser reciclados ou degradados em ambiente controlado [1] .…”