Effect of electron beam radiation on the performance of biodegradable Bionolle-jute composite

To study the radiation effect on the physical, thermal, mechanical and degradable properties of biodegradable polymer Bionolle (chemosynthetic polyester poly(1,4-butylene succinate)), Bionolle films prepared by compression molding process and were irradiated with electron beam (EB) radiation of different doses. Gel content was found to increase with increase of radiation dose. Tensile strength of Bionolle was enhanced when Bionolle film was exposed under 20 kGy radiation. The loss of tensile strength of both unirradiated and irradiated Bionolle is 70% and 8% due to thermal aging at 70°C for 30 days. Both irradiated and unirradiated films of Bionolle were subjected to different degradation test in compost (soil burial), enzyme and storage degradation both in outdoor and indoors conditions. The loss of weight due to soil (compost) degradation test decreased with increase of radiation dose. The loss of weights of irradiated samples were found to be very less within the first three months of compost degradation. After 120 days, tensile strength of the Bionolle films irradiated at 20 kGy and 100 kGy were 68 MPa and 40 MPa, respectively, compared to the value (30 MPa) of the unirradiated Bionolle samples. Loss of tensile strength of irradiated Bionolle due to storage degradation like in roof, ground and indoors was minimum compared to unirradiated Bionolle. The weight loss due to enzymatic degradation was found to be decreased with increase of radiation dose. The tensile strength of jute reinforced Bionolle composites (23 wt.-% jute content) irradiated at 20 kGy was found to be higher (22%) than that of an unirradiated composite.     

海水环境下聚碳酸亚丙酯/聚乳酸共混物的降解性能研究

研究了聚碳酸亚丙酯（PPC）/聚乳酸（PLA）共混物在海水环境下的降解性能,通过力学实验、扫描电子显微镜、衰减全反射红外光谱等分别研究了共混物的力学性能、表面微观形貌、化学结构等的变化规律。结果表明,随着降解时间的延长,10/90、30/70、50/50、70/30（质量比,下同）的PPC/PLA共混物的拉伸强度都不断增大,而断裂伸长率在30 d时急剧降低,此后几乎保持不变;海水作用下240 d后PPC和PLA表面都存在明显孔洞和缺陷,而50/50的PPC/PLA共混物表面没有明显的裂纹和孔洞;纯PPC和纯PLA的羟基指数、羰基指数以及乳酸指数都呈现不断增大的趋势,且在前30 d比较明显,而50/50的PPC/PLA共混物则几乎没有变化;共混物的质量损失主要体现在前30 d,且质量损失率几乎都小于10 %,降解程度较低;共混物失重5 %的热分解温度提高,而最大速率失重温度几乎没有变化。     

Hydrolytic degradation of nonoriented poly(β-propiolactone)

The hydrolytic degradation of poly(β-propiolactone) with a molecular weight M_w of 32,000 has been studied in a buffered salt solution (pH 7.2) at 37°C. Within 42 days, the embrittlement of the samples made tensile strength measurement impossible, which is due to the rapid reduction of molecular weight, 50% reduction after 49 days. The maximum weight due to water absorption was measured to 1.2 wt %, reached after 2 days. The absorbed water acts as a plasticizer in poly(β-propiolactone) observed by the displacement in the maxima of the tan δ_α peak. A fast increase of crystallinity in the samples has been observed during the first 50 days of degradation, with the increase continued up until 190 days, after which a decline of the crystallinity can be observed, indicating hydrolityc degradation of the crystalline part of the samples. The mass loss of the samples becomes prominent after 150 days of immersion and reached a value of 14.6% after 260 days.     

Degradation Studies of Thermoplastics Composites of Jute Fiber–Reinforced LDPE/Polycaprolactone Blends

This article reports the fabrication, properties, and degradation studies of jute fiber–reinforced thermoplastic polymers. One of the non-traditional outlets of jute fiber is in the area of fiber-reinforced composites. However, the major drawback associated with the application of jute fiber for this purpose is its high moisture regain. To impart hydrophobicity to the fibers and to concomitantly increase interfacial bond strength, which is a critical factor for obtaining better mechanical properties of composites, jute fibers were treated with benzoylchloride, Y-glycidoxytrimethoxysilane, and neo-alkoxy-tri(N-ethylenediamino)ethyltitanate. Such a treatment resulted in an increase in the diameter and denier of the treated fibers, and deterioration in the mechanical properties was observed. SEM studies revealed an increase in surface roughness after titanate and alkali treatment, which in turn increases interfacial bond strength. A series of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with 5–20% (w/w) of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and with/without treated and untreated jute fibers were prepared by using a single-screw extruder. LDPE modified by blending with PCL (80:20, wt/wt) was used as a thermoplastic matrix. Composites were fabricated by using 1-cm-long jute fibers; the weight fraction of unmodified fibers, silane-treated fibers, and titanate-treated fibers was varied from 0.05 to 0.13. An increase in weight fraction of fibers resulted in an increase in tensile strength and modulus and decrease in elongation at break. Thin sheets and dumbbells were used for enzymatic degradation tests. The degradation of the material was monitored by weight change and loss of mechanical properties. The enzymatic degradation in the presence of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase gave appreciable weight loss in PCL and blended materials.     

Synthesis, characterization and biodegradation studies of poly(ester urethane)s

Bis-isocyanoto polyester was synthesized by the polymerization of PPSe with MDI and reacted with 1,3-propanediol chain extender to obtain poly(ester urethane)s. The effect of chain extender and PPSe content in polyurethane was investigated. The polymers were characterized by ¹H NMR, FT-IR, viscosity measurement, TGA and XRD. Their biodegradability was investigated by the hydrolytic degradation in NaOH solution (3% and 10%); enzymatic degradation by Rhizopus delemar lipase and soil burial degradation using garden-composted soil. Furthermore, the degraded film was characterized by molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, DSC, XRD, FT-IR and surface morphology by SEM. The biodegradation study revealed that hydrolysis and soil burial degradation affected morphology of the PEUs. Hydrophobicity and hard segment seem to resist the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradability of PEU. Hydrolytic degradation was very rapid in 3% and 10% NaOH solutions at 37 °C, within 2 days 20% weight loss was observed. PEUs showed a much slower degradation rate under the R. delemar lipase at 37 °C. Experimental data showed that as soft segment increases biodegradation rate decreased. A significant rate of degradation was occurred in all PEU samples under soil burial condition. Surface morphology, which interconnected to good adhesion of bacteria on polymer surface, is considered to be a factor sensible for the biodegradation rate under soil burial condition.     

Biodegradation of polyurethane-polyhydroxybutyrate elastomeric composite investigated from morphological and structural viewpoint

Morphological, structural, and tensile changes of polyurethane-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PU-PHB) elastomeric composites were evaluated after accelerated test in standard compost media. Size of PHB particles together with their uniform dispersion in the matrix were found to be key parameters for material's resistivity against degradation media. PU-PHB composite films were synthesized by the “green” solvent free method, where commercially available PHB (PHB-COM) and PHB produced by bacterium Cupriavidus necator H16 (PHB-BUT) were both used in the amount of 1, 5, and 10 wt % in composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed excellent dispersion of PHB-COM microparticles in the PU matrix resulting in negligible weight losses of the material (max 0.7 wt %). On the contrary, PHB-BUT particles were agglomerated which promoted partial degradation of the material (max 3.3 wt % loss) manifested by holes on the surface but without severe damage (e.g. fragmentation). Structural analysis confirmed lower crystallinity and less ordered crystalline phase of PHB after the degradation test, particularly in composites made of PHB-BUT. Moreover, the materials were less stiff after the composting test, but beneficial with higher elongation at break. Such properties are favorable for the use of renewable PHB in the current industrial applications of PU elastomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 46909.     

Development of degradable poly(ethylene terephthalate)-based nanocomposites with the aid of polylactic acid and graphenic materials: Thermal,thermo-oxidative and hydrolytic degradation characteristics

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PET/PLA) blends with composition of 90/10 and 75/25 (wt %/wt %) along with two types of graphenic materials, namely graphene oxide (GO) and exfoliated graphite (xGnP), were prepared through one-step melt mixing process. The Thermal, thermo-oxidative, and hydrolytic degradation characteristics of the developed degradable PET-based nanocomposites were investigated. Thermal degradation studies by thermogravimetry analysis and melt rheological analysis in N₂ atmosphere, revealed that unlike xGnP, the addition of GO to the blends reduced their thermal stability leading to reduction of viscosity and elasticity of the blends. The behavior was attributed to the role of GO in enhancing the chain scission reactions. In the air atmosphere, the barrier properties of the graphenic materials prevailed. Compared to xGnP, the relatively well-dispersed GO showed better barrier against oxygen and increased the thermo-oxidative stability of the blends. Investigation of the hydrocatalytic degradation of developed systems, at different pH of 2 and 4, over a period of 40 days at 37 °C, showed that the amount of weight loss of the GO-containing nanocomposite systems was higher than that of xGnP. The overall results of thermal, thermo-oxidative, and hydrocatalytic degradation studies confirmed the prominent role of GO in the development of degradable PET-based products. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48466.     

Nanocomposites of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/organomodified montmorillonite: Effect of the nanofiller on the polymer's biodegradation

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biopolymer that can be degraded by extracellular PHB depolymerase. This enzyme is secreted by various microorganisms, but bacterial PHB depolymerases are the most widely studied. The biodegradability rate depends on various factors. By controlling them, the biodegradability rate can change and be customized, and thus, the applications of the polymer can increase and become more diverse. In this work, the role of organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) on PHB biodegradation was investigated. Using the melt‐mixing method, nanocomposites of PHB and OMMT as the nanofiller were prepared. The enzyme was isolated from the fungus Penicillium pinophilum and the enzymatic degradation was studied for both pure polymer and its nanocomposites. It was found that, after 25 days of enzymatic degradation, the mass loss was very low, while the polymer's average molecular weight as measured by gel permeation chromatography was significantly reduced (more than 50%). Additional peaks corresponding to PHB oligomers (from pentamers to nonamers) appeared after biodegradation. This behavior was observed for pure PHB and the hybrid materials. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of the biodegraded surfaces and analysis of these images showed that the higher amount of nanoclay (10 wt %) resulted in larger biodegraded area of the specimens. The results presented here demonstrate that the presence of the nanoclays enhances the biodegradation rate of pure PHB polymer and provide quantitative data for the biodegradation of PHB/organoclay hybrid materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41656.     

Study of the biodegradation behavior of soy protein‐grafted polyethylene by the soil burial method

In this article, we report on the biodegradation of soy‐protein‐grafted polyethylene, which was successfully synthesized by a graft copolymerization method with benzoyl peroxide as the radical initiator. The biodegradation behavior of the grafted polyethylene was ascertained by a soil burial test. The weight‐loss percentage was measured as a function of the number of days, and it was observed that the percentage weight loss increased with increasing number of days. To further substantiate the degradation, microanalysis of the soil containing the samples was carried out. An increase in microorganism colonies was observed with increasing number of days. The hydrolysis of the samples taken from the soil after a specified number of days also corroborated the findings and revealed a continuous loss of weight. The effect of the degradation of the grafted samples on the growth of plants (wheat and soybean) was studied, and we observed that the products of degradation were not harmful to the growth of the plants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synergistic flame retardant effect of poly(ether sulfones) and polysiloxane on polycarbonate

Flame retardance of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) was improved by the co‐addition of poly (ether sulfones) (PES) and polysiloxane/acrylate copolymer (PSiA) while retaining a high rigidity and toughness. A UL 94 V‐0 rating for 1.6‐mm thick samples of PC/PES/PSiA blend with 10.0 wt % PES and 0.5 wt % PSiA (PC/10PES/0.5PSiA) was obtained. Its average heat release rate (av‐HRR) in a cone calorimeter measurement was decreased by 19% on the basis of PC/PES blend with 10.0 wt % PES. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphologies of impact‐fractured surfaces revealed that the incorporation of 0.5 wt % PSiA decreased the dimensions of PES dispersed phase and provoked the uniform distribution of PES in PC matrix. Thermogravimetric‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis results revealed that PSiA dominantly promoted the degradation of PC and the degraded products were combined with PES to form a superior flame‐retarded carbon layer. A higher sulfur and silicon content on the residue surface after vertical burning tests detected by SEM/energy dispersive spectrometer signified their accumulation during combustion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis of a phenylene phenyl phosphine oligomer and its flame retardancy for polycarbonate

A novel flame retardant, phenylene phenyl phosphine oligomer (PPPO) was synthesized and its chemical structure was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometer. PPPO was used to impart flame retardancy to polycarbonate (PC). Combustion behaviors and thermal degradation properties of PC/PPPO system were assayed by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. PC/6 wt % PPPO passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating with 3.0 mm samples and the LOI value was 34.1%, and PC/8 wt % PPPO also passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating with 1.6 mm samples and the LOI value was 36.3%. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the char properties had crucial effects on the flame retardancy of PC. Mechanical properties and water resistance of PC/PPPO system were also measured. After water resistance test, PC/6 wt % PPPO with 3.0 mm samples and PC/8 wt % PPPO with 1.6 mm samples kept V‐0 rating and mass loss was only 0.2%. The results revealed that PPPO was an efficient flame retardant for PC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Degradation of PLA and PLA in composites with triacetin and buriti fiber after 600 days in a simulated marine environment

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), the polymer object of this study, degrades by a biotic process after an abiotic hydrolysis process. Its degradation was evaluated after 600 days of exposure in a simulated marine environment (SME), as buriti fiber‐reinforced composites having triacetin as coupling agent. Composites were obtained by extrusion and films were produced by compression molding. After between 60 and 600 days of exposure, PLA had a weight loss of 2.5%, PLA/T of 1.5%, and 10–12% of weight loss for PLA/B and PLA/B/T, respectively. PLA intercalates reduction, increase, and decrease of its crystallinity attributed to hydrolysis (up to 15 days), impairment of amorphous segments (45 days), and loss of integrity of the matrix (100–600 days), respectively. In the PLA/T composites, triacetin inhibited the diatom colonization process, having its crystallinity values increased after nearly 100 days of exposure with subsequent reduction. For samples with buriti fiber, changes in crystallinity were attributed to absorption of water and exposure of matrix amorphous segments. PLA degradation in a SME is evidently favored by the use of natural fibers since they make easier water access to the matrix and colonization by the protists group, diatoms, showing that the polymer can have reduced post‐use shelf life as composites, with benefits while in use and at the same time post‐use environmental benefits. Triacetin inhibits PLA colonization and degradation up to 45 days after exposure, after which it no longer influences the degradation process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43290.     

Synergistic effect of ammonium polyphosphate and expandable graphite on flame‐retardant properties of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene

A new intumescent flame‐retardant (IFR) system consisting of expandable graphite (EG) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was applied in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) resin. A synergistic effect between EG and APP on the flame retardancy of ABS was observed. Fixing the total loading of flame retardant at 15 wt %, the limited oxygen index (LOI) could reach 31 vol % at a weight ratio of 3 : 1 for EG and APP. While LOI values of EG‐ and APP‐filled ABS were only 26.0 and 21.5 vol % at the same loading, respectively. The UL‐94 vertical burning test suggested that samples with different ratios of EG and APP could all pass V‐0 rating while the samples containing EG and APP alone only passed V‐1 rating. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the addition of EG and APP (3 : 1 by weight) to ABS led to an increase in the amount of high‐temperature residue by 11.8 wt %, and a decrease of mass loss rate by 0.7%/°C compared with pure ABS. Scanning electronic microscopy revealed a homogeneous compact intumescent char layer of ABS/EG/APP samples. Based on our experiment and combined with others' previous studies, the synergistic mechanism is inferred. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Low density polyethylene composites reinforced with Australian King Palm fibers: mechanical and thermal properties

The aim of this work is to obtain and evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) composites reinforced with fibers from Australian King Palm fibers. Raw fibers were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The chemical composition of the fibers was also evaluated. After characterizing the fibers were mixed into the LDPE, in proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% (wt/wt) using a thermokinetic mixer model MH-50H. Furthermore tensile, flexural and impact specimens were prepared for evaluation of mechanical properties. The composites were analyzed through SEM micrographs of fractured surfaces and thermal analysis. The results indicate that the reinforcement decreases the thermal stability of the composites, but caused an increase the mechanical properties of the composites. The composites reinforced with of raw fibers 20% (wt/wt) showed significant increase in the tensile strength, flexural and impact.     

Effect of OMMTs on flame retardancy and thermal stability of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/LDPE/magnesium hydroxide composites

The aim of this study was to prepare poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/ low density polyethylene (LDPE)/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites applicable in cable industry with required flame retardancy. For this reason, two types of organo‐modified montmorillonites (OMMT) with different surface polarites (Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B) at various concentrations, and also combination of these two OMMTs with overall loadings of 2 wt % and 5 wt % were used. The samples were compounded using a twin screw extruder with total (MH + OMMT) feeding of 55 wt % and 60 wt %. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the samples containing 2 wt % of OMMTs increased about 16% and dripping was suppressed according to vertical burning test (UL‐94V). Thermogravimetric results of EVA/LDPE/MH samples containing OMMT showed that the beginning of second step degradation was shifted about 50°C to higher temperatures. The composite tensile strength results showed enhancement by incorporating some amount of nanoclays with EVA/LDPE/MH composites. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that MH particles had better wetting by EVA matrix in presence of nanoclays. Oxidative induction time of the EVA/LDPE/MH/OMMT nanocomposites was 140 min, which was more than that of the samples without OMMT (20 min). Employing the equal weight ratios of the two OMMTs demonstrated a synergistic effect on flame retardancy of the samples according to the both tests results (LOI, UL‐94V). X‐ray diffraction analysis of the samples confirmed the intercalation/semiexfoliation structure of nanosilicate layers in the bulk of EVA/LDPE matrix. This led to longer elongation at break and thermal stability of Cloisite 15A based nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40452.     

Morphology and rheological behaviors of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. Light scattering measurement suggested that there is significant change in molecular weight arising from gel formation by chemical crosslinking during polymerization. The thermal decomposition temperatures of the composites measured at 5 wt % weight loss were 5–10°C higher than that of PET. There is no significant change in other thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy observations suggest that there is obvious phase separation in PET/POSS composites, composites containing 1 wt % of disilanolisobutyl and trisilanolisobytyl‐POSS show fine dispersions of POSS (30–40 nm in diameter), which arise from strong interfacial interactions between POSS and PET during polymerization. The viscosity of the composites increased with the addition of POSS. The observation of a plateau region of composites containing 1 wt % of POSS in the plot of log G′ vs. log G″ indicates strong interfacial interactions between POSS and PET. Sixty‐three percent and 41% increase in tensile strength and 300 and 380% increase in modulus were achieved in the composites containing 1 wt % of disilanol‐ and trisilanol‐POSS, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Influence of silicon carbide filler on mechanical and dielectric properties of glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites

Fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites (FRPCs) have emerged as an important material for automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications because of their light weight, design flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and improved mechanical performance. In this study, glass‐epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled glass‐epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composite systems have been fabricated using hand lay‐up technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, and hardness have been investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. From the experimental investigations, it has been found that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the glass reinforced epoxy composite increased with the inclusion of SiC filler. The results of the SiC (5 wt %)‐G‐E composite showed higher mechanical properties compared to G‐E system. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (permittivity), tan delta, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of these composites have been evaluated. A drastic reduction in dielectric constant after incorporation of conducting SiC filler into epoxy composite has been observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs of the fractured samples revealed various aspects of the fractured surfaces. The failure modes of the tensile fractured surfaces have also been reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Rice hull biocomposites,part 2: Effect of the resin composition on the properties of the composite

A free radical thermoset resin consisting of a copolymer of conjugated linseed oil (CLO) or conjugated soybean oil (CSO), n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA), divinylbenzene (DVB), and maleic anhydride (MA) has been reinforced with rice hulls. Composites containing 70 wt % of the filler were compression molded, the conjugated oil content in the resin was kept constant at 50 wt %, and the relative amounts of BMA, DVB, and MA were varied to afford composites with different resin compositions. Tensile tests, DMA, thermogravimetric analysis, and Soxhlet extraction of the different composites prepared have been used to establish the relationship between resin composition and the properties of the composites. Overall, the mechanical properties tend to improve when MA is introduced into the resin. Scanning electron microscopy of selected samples showed a better filler–resin interaction for MA‐containing composites and samples prepared from CLO exhibit better properties than those prepared from CSO. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Halogenated Partly Aromatic Cardo Copolyesters

Copolyesters of 1,1′-bis(3-methyl-5-chloro-4-hydroxy phenyl) cyclohexane (0.0025 mol), ethylene glycol/propylene glycol/1, 4-butanediol/1,6-hexanediol (0.0025 mol) and terephthaloyl chloride (0.005 mol) have been synthesized by interfacial polycondensation technique by using water-chloroform (4:1 v/v) as an interphase, sodium hydroxide (0.125 mol) as an acid acceptor and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (50 mg) as an emulsifier. The reaction time and temperature were 3 h and 0°C, respectively. The yield of copolymers was 85–87%. Copolyesters are soluble in common solvents and possess moderate molecular weights. The structures of copolyesters are supported by FT-IR and ¹HNMR spectral data. Copolyesters are characterized for their viscosity in chloroform and 1,2-dichloroethane at 30, 35 and 40°C, densities by floatation method (1.139–1.2775 g cm^?3). It is observed that both [η] and density of copolyesters decreased with increase in alkyl chain length. Copolyesters possess excellent hydrolytic stability against water and 10% each of acids, alkalis and salt at room temperature. The observed wt. % change is ±3.15% in the selected environments. A 30 μm thick C1MPT film has 17.8 MPa tensile strength, 50.1 kV mm^?1 electric strength and 2.2 × 10¹² ohm cm volume resistivity. Copolyesters possess high T_g (148–172°C) and are thermally stable up to about 411–426°C and followed single step degradation kinetics involving 70–75% weight loss with 20–24% residual weight above 650°C. Copolyesters followed 1.19–1.94 order degradation kinetics. Activation energy and frequency factors are increased with alkyl chain length.     

聚丁二酸乙二醇酯及其共聚酯的生物降解性能

通过降解过程的质量损失率、相对分子质量及其分布、热性能、表面形貌等评价手段,重点考察了Aspergillus niger脂肪酶对聚丁二酸乙二醇酯(PES)和聚(丁二酸乙二醇-共-对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯)(PEST)的降解性能。结果表明:PES在脂肪酶溶液中具有较好的生物降解性能,随着对苯二甲酸摩尔含量的增加,PEST的质量损失率呈现先增加后逐渐减少的趋势;随着酶解时间的延长,残留部分的PES、PEST的相对分子质量均呈下降趋势;残留部分的PES、PEST的熔点随降解时间的延长变化不大,熔融热焓有所增加;聚酯薄膜表面产生了不同程度的沟槽、孔洞和裂纹。可以推测,PES及PEST的生物降解首先发生在无定形区,并且大分子链段发生的是随机断裂。