Synthesis of a Bio-based and Biodegradable Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide [2,2′-bithiophene]-5,5′-dicarboxylate) with Enhanced Thermal and Degradability Properties

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue X, October 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

Synthesis of a Bio-based and Biodegradable Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide [2,2′-bithiophene]-5,5′-dicarboxylate) with Enhanced Thermal and Degradability Properties

Lesly Dasilva Wandji Djouonkep^1,2*, Naomie Beolle Songwe Selabi^3
1 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Applied Chemistry in Oil and Gas fields, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 43010, China;
² Institute of fine organic chemistry and new organic materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China;
³ Institute of advanced materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China;

Abstract— A synthetic biopolymer was prepared from bithiophene (C₈H₆S₂) monomer, isosorbide (C₆H₁₀O₄) and ethylene glycol (C₂H₆O₂) was synthesized via melt polycondensation process. The results show that the polyester has good thermal and mechanical properties. The bithiophene monomer (2,2′-dithiophene)-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid was prepared by direct coupling of combined phosphine-free palladium ligand with polyethylene glycol palladium (Pd/PEG) as catalyst. This method can effectively polymerize bithiophene monomer with isosorbide and ethylene glycol. The series of polyesters display good heat resistance, crystallinity and high-tensile modulus. In addition, the bithiophene monomer coupled with isosorbide units increased the glass transition temperature of the polyesters. These polyester films exhibit excellent oxygen/water barrier properties, which are interestingly superior to those of polyethylene terephthalates, and has a significant degradation in soil degradation under the influence of microorganisms.

Keywords— direct coupling method; melt polycondensation; bithiophene; degradability studies; thermal stability; gas barrier properties

I. INTRODUCTION

he view to match up with the emerging needs of plastic production, while at the same time enhancing sustainability, has been a big point of focus for both academic and industrial research. Producing a replacement or generation of sustainable materials capable of competing with existing petroleum-based plastics, and for these new materials to match both the performance and cost-effectiveness of commonly used Petro-plastics has become a true challenge.^[1]

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