Evidence of compatibility and thermal stability improvement of poly(propylene carbonate) and polyoxymethylene blends

Abstract

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) is a promising new sustainable polymer produced from carbon dioxide. PPC has inferior thermal stability which could be enhanced by synergistic blending with other polymers. Blends of PPC and the engineering thermoplastic polyoxymethylene are produced by melt compounding in various weight ratios. The compatibility of the blends is investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), density measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TGA reveals that thermal stability of the blends increases dramatically in comparison to the neat PPC. A small shift in the glass transition temperature demonstrates the immiscibility of the blends but also indicates some compatibility, attributed to potential dipole–dipole interactions which are also corroborated with the FTIR results. A deviation of the rule of mixtures for density is found for some of the blends. SEM analysis of the blends shows two phase morphology; however, the interfacial adhesion appeared to be enhanced with increasing PPC content. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45823.

Environmentally Friendly Polymer Blends Based on Post-Consumer Glycol-Modified Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET-G) Foils and Poly(Ethylene 2,5-Furanoate) (PEF): Preparation and Characterization

“…Therefore, the degradation process is hindered and the overall stability of the blend is improved [63]. A similar synergistic effect in the improvement of thermal stability on polymer blends was previously observed among others by Calderon and Sobkowicz [53] in poly(propylene carbonate)/polyoxymethylene blends, and by Ciro et al [64] in recycled rubber/recycled polypropylene blends. Further increase in the PEF content up to 50% depresses the temperatures of both T d,5%, and T DTG1 towards values lying in-between temperatures found for homopolymers.…”

“…DSC and DMTA analyses of polymer blends were performed to evaluate phase transition temperatures, as well as their thermal effects. Changes in the thermal transition temperatures of polymer blends relative to the neat polymers can provide evidence of interaction between the components [53]. Figure 5 depicts the DSC non-isothermal curves for the post-consumer PET-G, PEF, and series of PET-G/PEF blends.…”

Controllable Acid/Base Propriety of Sulfate Modified Mixed Metal Oxide Derived from Hydrotalcite for Synthesis of Propylene Carbonate

“…Propylene carbonate (PC) is a typical inert organic solvent and is widely applied to synthesize dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and macromolecular polymers [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The synthesis of PC from urea and propylene glycol (PG) presents the advantages of economical and abundant raw materials, mild reaction conditions, and high safety [7][8][9].…”

Recent progress in carbon dioxide (CO2) as feedstock for sustainable materials development: Co-polymers and polymer blends

“…Due to the partial miscibility between the PPC and PS, the PPC/PS blend prepared with 40 wt.% PS showed a three-fold increase in tensile strength compared to neat PPC [209]. Calderón and co-workers [213] found good interfacial interaction between the PPC and polyoxymethylene due to dipole-dipole interactions. Meanwhile, a drastic reduction in the percent elongation at break of PPC was observed when 40 wt.% of PS was added into PPC [209].…”