(177t) Synthesis and Characterization of Biobased Copolyesters Based on Furandicarboxylic Acid. Poly(dodecamethylene furandicarboxylate)

In recent years, there has been notable interest in furandicarboxylic acid (FA) based polyesters owing to their biobased and biodegradable characteristics. These polyesters have emerged as promising candidates for substituting conventional petrochemical-based plastics. FA is derived from diverse biomass sources like sugars, starches, and lignocellulose. Polyesters based on FA exhibit favorable characteristics, including high thermal stability, exceptional barrier properties, and strong mechanical properties. In this study, an aromatic polyester using FA and a 12-carbon diol (1,12 dodecanediol, DD) was synthesized using direct esterification and polycondensation to produce poly(dodecamethylene furandicarboxylate) (PDDF). The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the polymers were thoroughly investigated using different techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle x-ray scattering, dynamic mechanical analysis, gas permeation analysis, and rheometry. Moreover, biodegradation was studied in freshwater and soil environments. Results obtained for PDDF were compared to the properties of compression molded film-grade linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). PDDF polyester has similar properties to LLDPE and is stiffer than PBAT making it a potential alternative for film blowing. Moreover, PDDF polyester has significantly lower permeability to CO₂ and O₂ than either of these two materials.