Synthesis of Hydrophilic Poly(butylene succinate-butylene dilinoleate) (PBS-DLS) Copolymers Containing Poly(Ethylene Glycol) (PEG) of Variable Molecular Weights

Abstract

Polymeric materials have numerous applications from the industrial to medical fields because of their vast controllable properties. In this study, we aimed to synthesize series of poly(butylene succinate-dilinoleic succinate-ethylene glycol succinate) (PBS-DLS-PEG) copolymers, by two-step polycondensation using a heterogeneous catalyst and a two-step process. PEG of different molecular weights, namely, 1000 g/mol and 6000 g/mol, was used in order to study its effect on the surface and thermal properties. The amount of the PBS hard segment in all copolymers was fixed at 70 wt%, while different ratios between the soft segments (DLS and PEG) were applied. The chemical structure of PBS-DLS-PEG was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the molecular weight and dispersity index. The results of structural analysis indicate the incorporation of PEG in the macrochain. The physical and thermal properties of the newly synthesized copolymers were also evaluated using water contact angle measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermomechanical analysis. It was found that increasing the amount of PEG of a higher molecular weight increased the surface wettability of the new materials while maintaining their thermal properties. Importantly, the two-step melt polycondensation allowed a direct fabrication of a polymeric filament with a well-controlled diameter directly from the reactor. The obtained results clearly show that the use of two-step polycondensation in the melt allows obtaining novel PBS-DLS-PEG copolymers and creates new opportunities for the controlled processing of these hydrophilic and thermally stable copolymers for 3D printing technology, which is increasingly used in medical techniques.

Polybutylene succinate, a potential bio-degradable polymer: synthesis, copolymerization and bio-degradation

“…Using the same C-94 catalyst system, new poly(butylene succinate–dilinoleic succinate–ethylene glycol succinate) (PBS-DLS-PEG) copolymers containing PBS as the hard segment and DLS and PEG as the soft segments were successfully synthesized through a two-step polycondensation reaction (Scheme 39). 79…”

“…As a result, various chemical and physical methodologies, such as chain extension, copolymerization, forming cross-linking networks, and the use of polymer blends and composites, have been reported in the literature to improve the physical and chemical properties of PBS. 6,75–81,101…”

“…The presence of PEG units (up to 10%) in the copolymer improved the hydrophilicity without altering the thermal properties. 79…”

Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activity of Functional Poly(Butylene Succinate) Films Modified with Curcumin and Carvacrol

“…PBS is a derivative of succinic acid (SA), which can be obtained from renewable resources or by microbial fermentation [5]. Furthermore, PBS is able to biodegrade under aerobic conditions, making it a more environmentally friendly, promising material for packaging applications, which is in accordance with the European Green Deal [6,7]. However, some of its disadvantages, such as slow crystallization rate, low melt viscosity, and softness, have limited its processability and applications, especially in injection molding [8,9].…”

Poly (Butylene Succinate)/Silicon Nitride Nanocomposite with Optimized Physicochemical Properties, Biocompatibility, Degradability, and Osteogenesis for Cranial Bone Repair

“…These preferable performances of PB make it a promising candidate for bone regeneration applications [ 10 , 11 ]. However, the major shortcoming of PB is the hydrophobic surface property because of very low surface wettability that causes poor interaction with biological fluids, which inhibits cell response [ 12 ]. Accordingly, the intrinsic hydrophobic nature and biological inertness of PB may restrict or delay cell adhesion, growth, and bone regeneration [ 13 ].…”