Modification of biodegradable poly(butylene carbonate) by biobased cis-2-butene-1,4-diol

Biodegradable unsaturated polyester materials have received extensive attention owing to their sustainability and functionality. This work successfully prepared a series of unsaturated poly(butylene-co-cis-2-butene carbonate) (PBcBC) polycarbonates. The effect of cis-2-butene-1,4-diol (cB) on the structure and properties of the copolycarbonates was systematically studied from the point of view of microstructure, thermal, crystallization, and mechanical properties. No side reactions were observed during the polymerization, and the insertion of cB could regulate the thermal properties in the whole range of the copolycarbonates. Additionally, the PBcBCs exhibited superior water barrier ability and suitable mechanical properties than those commercial polyester materials such as PBAT. Our work shows that the PBcBCs as unsaturated polycarbonates have competitive advantages in commercial applications, and the cB comonomer is a suitable building block for directly synthesizing linear unsaturated copolymers. The fully biobased PBcBCs can better meet the requirements of green and sustainable development.