Synthesis and characterization of high‐molecular weight aliphatic polyesters from monomers derived from renewable resources

ABSTRACT A series of high‐molecular weight aliphatic polyesters have been synthesized, at temperatures of < 200°C, through a polycondensation reaction between 1,4‐butanediol and three diacids of different chain length (succinic acid, azelaic acid, and sebacic acid). All the polyesters obtained have a bio‐based content of 100% and number average molecular weight in the range of 28,000–116,000 Da. These average molecular weights are about 5–10 times higher than those of most reported aliphatic polyesters synthesized through similar reaction routes but at temperatures > 230°C. The over‐heating phenomenon, i.e., the observation of thermal degradation behavior of these polyesters at 230°C is reported. The crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and enzymatic hydrolysis rate of the polyesters obtained are characterized. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) shows the highest crystallinity and melting temperature, but the lowest thermal stability and slowest potential rate of enzymatic biodegradation rate compared with poly(butylene azelate) and poly(butylene sebacate). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40579.