Highly Stretchable Biobased Poly(butylene succinate)-Based Copolyesters with Shape Memory and Self-Healing Properties

In this study, a series of poly(butylene succinate)-based copolymers containing various quantities of dimethyl 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate (NDC) were synthesized via melt polymerization. The thermal stabilities of the copolymers were maintained, while a slight increment in the stability was observed as the NDC content increased. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction demonstrated a reduction in the crystallizability of the copolymers with increasing NDC concentration. Unexpectedly, the tensile tests showed significant enhancement of the elongation rate from 122.5 to 2645.0% as the NDC content increased from 0 to 32 mol%. Samples with 28, 30, and 32 mol% NDC showed remarkable abilities with recovery rates above 90% after three test cycles. Moreover, apparent cut mark repairing behaviors were observed under 70 °C heating in samples containing 25, 28, and 30 mol% NDC. These results indicate the potential of the copolymers for self-healing and highly stretchable shape memory wound dressing material applications.