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Synthesis, 1 H‐NMR characterization, and biodegradation behavior of aliphatic–aromatic random copolyester
Author(s) -
Chen Xirong,
Chen Wei,
Zhu Guixiang,
Huang Fengxing,
Zhang Jingchang
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.25611
Subject(s) - copolyester , biodegradation , condensation polymer , adipate , materials science , polymer chemistry , copolymer , proton nmr , degradation (telecommunications) , polymer , polyester , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , telecommunications , computer science
Aliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters of poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐butylene terephthalate) have been synthesized by polycondensation. Molecular weights and thermal properties have been measured. The four samples of copolyesters, with aromatic contents, varying from 40 to 60 mol %, were investigated by 1 H‐NMR spectroscopy to determine copolymers composition and microstructure. For all samples, the biodegradation experiment was carried out in compost, to study copolyesters degradation behavior. Using 1 H‐NMR, we noticed that the average sequence length and content of the aliphatic unit decrease and those of the aromatic unit increase. The molecular weights of the samples distinctly drop after composting. In all degraded samples, the trace of growing microorganisms was found on their surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. In combination with the results, the degradation behavior has been studied in the middle stage of copolyester degradation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2643–2649, 2007