Synthesis and Physical Properties of Biodegradable Nanocomposites Fabricated Using Acrylic Acid-Grafted Poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) and Organically-Modified Layered Zinc Phenylphosphonate

Abstract

A set of novel biocompatible aliphatic-aromatic nanocomposites, including numerous acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) (g-PBCT) and organically-modi ed layered zinc phenylphosphonate (m-PPZn), were successfully synthesized via polycondensation and transesteri cation. A primary covalent linkage was produced between the biocompatible polymer and the inorganic reinforcements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13 C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra demonstrated the successful grafting of acrylic acid into the PBCT (g-PBCT). Both wide-angle Xray diffraction data and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the g-PBCT polymer matrix was intercalated into the interlayer spacing of the m-PPZn and was chemically interacted with the m-PPZn. The addition of m-PPZn in the g-PBCT matrix signi cantly improved its storage modulus. A slight increase in thermal stability was observed in all the g-PBCT/m-PPZn composites. Both results are attributed to the presence of covalent bond between g-PBCT and m-PPZn.