Thermal stability and biodegradation of novel D-mannose based glycopolymers

This paper presents the thermal stability and biodegradability testing of new glycopolymers obtained by copolymerization of a novel D-mannose based oligomer with 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate. The thermal analysis of these glycopolymers was investigated by thermogravimetry and the glass transition temperature was determined by DSC. While the acrylate derived glycopolymer has values of the glass transition temperature below 0 °C, the methacrylate derivative has positive values, above 50 °C. The biodegradation studies of the glycopolymers were carried out in a liquid medium, using pure cultures of two microorganisms, Zymomonasmobilis and Trichodermareesei. The weight losses of the new plastic materials were significant (almost 40%) and the best results were assessed for the 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate glycopolymer in the presence of both Z. mobilis and T. reesei. Microscopy showed that both microorganisms were present on the surface of the new glycopolymers and developed small colonies while modifying their surface. The changes inside the morphology of the polymeric materials structure were drastic and were studied via SEM analysis.