Synthesis and characterization of a novel multiblock copolyester containing poly(ethylene succinate) and poly(butylene succinate)

Multiblock copolyester (PBS-b-PES) containing poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) was successfully synthesized by chain-extension of dihydroxyl terminated PBS (HO-PBS-OH) and PES (HO-PES-OH) using 1,6-hexmethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a chain extender. The chemical structures, molecular weights, crystallization behaviors, thermal and mechanical properties of the copolyesters were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), tensile testing and hydrolytic degradation. High-molecular-weight copolyesters with Mw more than 2.0 × 105 g mol−1 were easily obtained through chain-extension. The copolyesters showed a single glass transition temperature (Tg) which increased with PES content. The melting point temperature (Tm) and relative degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the copolyesters decreased first and then increased with PES content. The copolyesters manifested excellent mechanical properties, for example, PBS5-b-PES5 had fracture stress of 61.8 MPa and fracture strain of 1173%. The chain-extension reaction provided a very effective way to produce high molecular weight multiblock copolyesters.

► High-molecular-weight biodegradable multiblock copolyester containing PBS and PES segments was achieved.
► PBS and PES are miscible with a single glass transition regardless of composition.
► The multiblock copolyester showed excellent tensile strength and elongation at break.
► The multiblock copolyester can serve as a potential substitute for conventional non-biodegradable commodity plastics.