New Biodegradable Polymers from Renewable Sources:Polyester-carbonates Based on 1,3-Propylene-co-1,4-Cyclohexanedimethylene Succinate

摘要

#alpha#,#onmega#-Dihydroxy-termiflated copolymeric oligomers of a 1,3-propylene/1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene succinate structure were obtained by the thermal polyconden-sation of 1,3-propanediol/1,4-cyCloheXaned1methanolISUCCinic acid mixtures. They were subsequently chain-extended via phosgene synthesis to high molecular weight aliphat-ic/alicyclic copolyester-carbonates. These new polymers, besides having a biodegradable backbone, originate from two monomers, namely, 1,3-propanediol and succinic acid, which can be obtained by renewable sources. Therefore, they have a potential as environmentally friendly materials. All synthesized materials were characterized in reference to their molecular structure by ~1H NMR and ~(13)C NMR. Their molecular weights and molecular weight distributions were determined by size exclusion chro-matography, and their main thermal properties were measured by DSC. Spectroscopic characterizations were in full agreement with the proposed structures. 1,4-Cyclohex-anedimethanol was used as a diol comonoiner to improve the overall thermal properties of poly(1,3-propylene succinate). The results of the characterization performed show that the initial expectations were only partially satisfied.