Synthesis and characterization of erythritol-modified poly(butylene adipate -co- terephthalate)

• Published in: Materials today communications 2025-01, Vol.42, Article 111318
• Main Authors: Mi, Jia, Li, Yingchun, Wang, Wensheng, Li, Zhimao, Liu, Tong, Nie, Guang, Zhang, Zheyu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Copolyesters; Erythritol; Synthesize
• ISSN: 2352-4928; 2352-4928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.111318

Bio-based copolyesters have garnered significant attention in the domains of packaging and agriculture due to their exceptional degradability and mechanical properties. Building upon existing research, this study further modifies bio-based copolyesters with the objective of enhancing their comprehensive mechanical properties and broadening their application scope. High-performance aromatic copolyesters were synthesized through a two-step esterification and polycondensation process, utilizing terephthalic acid, adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and erythritol as raw materials. The structures of the synthesized copolyesters were characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Compared to PBAT, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the copolyesters demonstrated improvements of 22.14 % and 80.14 %, respectively. Moreover, the tear strength and puncture resistance of the copolyesters were enhanced by 25.10 % and 54.13 %, respectively. TG indicated that the copolyesters exhibit high thermal stability. Notably, these copolyesters maintained good degradability after 35 days at ambient temperature. In conclusion, the enhancement of both mechanical and degradation properties of copolyesters was imperative for the advancement and promotion of degradable foams, films, and elastomers. [Display omitted]