New modifications of PBAT by a small amount of oxalic acid: Fast crystallization and enhanced degradation in all natural environments

Biodegradable plastics are often mistakenly thought to be capable of degrading in any environment, but their slow degradation rate in the natural environment is still unsatisfactory. We synthetized a novel series of poly(butylene oxalate-co-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBOAT) with unchanged melting point (135 °C), high elastic modulus (140 - 219 MPa) and elongation at break (478 - 769%). Fast isothermal crystallization with a semi-crystallization time < 20 s was demonstrated by the PBOAT. In N2 and air atmospheres, the PBOAT maintained the Td,5% higher than 329 °C. They also had good thermal stability at melt processing temperature for more than 20 min. PBOAT exhibited faster hydrolysis and seawater degradation, even under natural soil burial without light, but still kept stable under low humidity conditions during the storage and the shelf-life. Moreover, the hydrolysis mechanisms were clarified based on Fukui function analysis and DFT calculation, indicating that the hydrolysis of PBOAT would be more straightforward. The mechanism of soil burial is also elucidated through detailed characterization of the structure changes. The PBOAT offered a fresh approach to the development of high-performing, naturally degradable materials.