Chemosynthesis and characterization of fully biomass-based copolymers of ethylene glycol, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, and succinic acid

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-ethylene succinate) (PEFS) copolymers of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and succinic acid with 11.98–91.32 mol % FDCA composition were synthesized via melt polycondensation in the presence of ethylene glycol using tetrabutyl titanate as a catalyst. PEFSs' molecular weight, thermal properties, and molar composition were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, intrinsic viscosity, 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements. From experimental conditions, we obtained random copolymers with number-average molecular weights exceeding 25,600, determined by GPC and 1H NMR analyses. DSC analysis revealed that PEFS copolymers' melting temperatures differed depending on EF units' percentage. TGA studies confirmed that all PEFS copolymers' thermal stability exceeded 300°C. From WAXD analysis, it is observed that the PEFS copolymer crystal structure was similar to that of PES when EF unit was 11.98 mol % and to that of PEF when EF units were 74.35 and 91.32 mol %. These results benefit this novel biodegradable copolymer to be used as a potential biomaterial. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1415-1420, 2013