Preparation and performance exploration of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based copolyester bioplastics: Controlling thermal properties, tensile properties, and surface hydrophilicity through composition

Abstract

To improve the comprehensive properties of polybutylene furandicarboxylate (PBF), 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and aliphatic chain diol 1,8‐octanediol and 1,4‐butanediol were used as monomers to synthesize a series of bio‐based polybutylene glycol‐octanediol 2,5‐furandicarboxylate (PBOF). The results showed that the chemical composition of PBOF could be controlled through the molar ratio of monomers. Compared with PBF, as the proportion of octanediol segments gradually increased, PBOF could gradually transform from semi‐crystalline thermoplastic to amorphous form, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) gradually decreased. The crystallization ability reduced but a part of the crystal area was still retained. The copolyesters still has a decomposition temperature above 370°C, indicating excellent thermal stability. The introduction of the octanediol segment significantly improved the tensile mechanical properties and flexibility of the POBF copolyester. These meet the requirements for the preparation of bio‐based engineering plastics. The water absorption rate of PBOF showed that it may have certain degradable potential. PBOF copolyesters have potential application prospects in bio‐based medical plastics and biodegradable packaging polymer materials after copolymerization modification.