Studies on Isosorbide-enhanced Biodegradable Poly(ethylene succinate)

To improve the mechanical properties of bio-based poly(ethylene succinate), the sugar monomer isosorbide, which is relatively easy to obtain, was used as a copolymerized third monomer to synthesize poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide succinate), a 100% biomass copolyester. The effects of isosorbide on the crystallinity and thermal properties of copolyester were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance(¹H NMR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric(TG). Owing to its distinct rigid bicyclic structure, isosorbide can improve the glass transition temperature of the copolyester and decrease the crystallization rate, as well as accelerate the hydrolysis of the copolyester. Simultaneously, the introduction of isosorbide can effectively improve the antistatic properties of copolyester.