Jianhui Zhu, Jiali Cai, Wenchun Xie
Jan 24, 2013
Citations
2
Influential Citations
250
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Macromolecules
Abstract
This paper describes the synthesis, crystal structure, and physicomechanical properties of a biobased polyester prepared from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 1,4-butanediol. Melt-polycondensation experiments were conducted by a two-stage polymerization using titanium tetraisopropoxide (Ti[OiPr]4) as a catalyst. Polymerization conditions (catalyst concentration, reaction time and second stage reaction temperature) were varied to optimize poly(butylene-FDCA), PBF, and molecular weight. A series of PBFs with different Mw were characterized by DSC, TGA, DMTA, X-ray diffraction and tensile testing. Influence of molecular weight and melting/crystallization enthalpy on PBF material tensile properties was explored. Cold-drawing tensile tests at room temperature for PBF with Mw 16K to 27K showed a brittle-to-ductile transition. When Mw reaches 38K, the Young modulus of PBF remains above 900 MPa, and the elongation at break increases to above 1000%. The mechanical properties, thermal properties and crystal st...