article · Molecules
This study developed a new series of bio-based and biodegradable thiophene-containing copolyesters, such as poly(hexylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-bis(2-hydroxyethoxybenzene) (PTBxHy), using a controlled melt polymerisation method. Characterisation confirmed their structure and high molecular weight. These copolyesters exhibited excellent thermal properties, with glass transition temperatures between 69.4 and 105.5 °C and melting points from 173.7 to 194.2 °C. Mechanically, they showed high tensile strength (46.4–70.5 MPa) and toughness (over 600%), outperforming related polymers and behaving similarly to polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, enzymatic hydrolysis demonstrated significant biodegradability, with weight losses up to 35% using porcine pancreatic lipase. The research suggests these materials are promising mimics for conventional plastics like PET.
This research offers a pathway to developing sustainable plastic alternatives derived from biomass, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The new materials possess properties comparable to conventional plastics, addressing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste through their biodegradability. This contributes to a circular economy for plastics.
These novel thiophene-based copolyesters show promise as bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Their high thermal and mechanical properties suggest potential for applications requiring durable, yet environmentally friendly, materials. This early-stage research could lead to new packaging materials or other plastic products, offering a sustainable option for industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
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Volatile global oil prices, owing to the scarcity of fossil resources, have impacted the cost of producing petrochemicals. Therefore, there is a need to seek novel, renewable chemicals from biomass feedstocks that have comparable properties to petrochemicals. In this study, synthesis, thermal and mechanical properties, and degradability studies of a novel series of sustainable thiophene-based copolyesters like poly(hexylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate-co-bis(2-hydroxyethoxybenzene) (PTBxHy) were conducted via a controlled melt polymerization method. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy techniques elucidated the degree of randomness and structural properties of copolyesters. Meanwhile, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed a high average molecular weight in the range of 67.4–78.7 × 103 g/mol. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was between 69.4 and 105.5 °C, and the melting point between 173.7 and 194.2 °C. The synthesized polymers outperformed poly(ethylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PETF) and behaved similarly to polyethylene terephthalate. The copolyesters exhibited a high tensile strength of 46.4–70.5 MPa and a toughness of more than 600%, superior to their corresponding homopolyesters. The copolyesters, which ranged from 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene thiophenedicarboxylate (TBB)-enriched to hexylene thiophenedicarboxylate (THH)-enriched, offered significant control over crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties. Enzymatic hydrolysis of synthetized polymers using porcine pancreatic lipase (PP-L) over a short period resulted in significant weight losses of 9.6, 11.4, 30.2, and 35 wt%, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with perforations visible on all surfaces of the films. Thus, thiophene-based polyesters with cyclic aromatic structures similar to terephthalic acid (TPA) show great promise as PET mimics. At the same time, PP-L appears to be a promising biocatalyst for the degradation of bioplastic waste and its recycling via re-synthesis processes.
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DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041825
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