Synthesis of poly(butylene succinate) using metal catalysts

The synthesis of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was studied to evaluate the effect of some key process parameters on the final material properties. PBS was produced through direct esterification in open and closed systems, in the presence and absence of nitrogen, using two different monomers (succinic acid and anhydride). PBS was also produced through transesterification at different temperatures and using different metal catalysts. The products were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and polymer melt rheology. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that the best set of final properties can be obtained when PBS is produced with succinic acid in closed systems and under nitrogen atmosphere through transesterification and in presence of titanium-based catalysts. Besides, the catalyst concentration was found to exert the largest effect on the final average molecular weight (Mw) and viscosity of the resin, while the temperature increase can lead to significant polymer degradation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1889–1896, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers