Stanley Johan, Klonos Panagiotis A, Teknetzi Aikaterini, Rekounas Nikolaos, Kyritsis Apostolos, Fras Zemljič Lidija, Lambropoulou Dimitra A, Bikiaris Dimitrios N
Laboratory of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers and Colors, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Department of Physics, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, GR-15780 Athens, Greece.
Molecules. 2024 Dec 16;29(24):5943. doi: 10.3390/molecules29245943.
This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of multiblock copolymers, poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEF-PCL), created through a combination of the two-step melt polycondensation method and ring opening polymerization, as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. The structural confirmation of these block copolymers was achieved through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ensuring the successful integration of PEF and PCL segments. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was employed for chemical bonding and quantitative analysis, providing insights into the distribution and compatibility of the copolymer components. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a single glass transition temperature (), indicating the effective plasticizing effect of PCL on PEF, which enhances the flexibility of the copolymers. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) studies highlight the complex relationship between PCL content and crystallization in PEF-PCL block copolymers, emphasizing the need to balance crystallinity and mechanical properties for optimal material performance. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) confirmed excellent distribution of PEF-PCL without phase separation, which is vital for maintaining consistent material properties. Mechanical properties were evaluated using Nanoindentation testing, demonstrating the potential of these copolymers as flexible packaging materials due to their enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility. The study concludes that PEF-PCL block copolymers are promising candidates for sustainable packaging solutions, combining environmental benefits with desirable material properties.
本研究介绍了一系列多嵌段共聚物聚（2,5-呋喃二甲酸乙二酯）-聚（ε-己内酯）（PEF-PCL）的合成与表征，这些共聚物是通过两步熔融缩聚法和开环聚合相结合制备的，可作为化石基塑料的可持续替代品。通过衰减全反射傅里叶变换红外光谱（ATR-FTIR）对这些嵌段共聚物进行结构确认，确保了PEF和PCL链段的成功整合。采用X射线光电子能谱（XPS）进行化学键合和定量分析，深入了解共聚物组分的分布和相容性。差示扫描量热法（DSC）分析显示出单一的玻璃化转变温度（），表明PCL对PEF具有有效的增塑作用，提高了共聚物的柔韧性。X射线衍射（XRD）研究突出了PEF-PCL嵌段共聚物中PCL含量与结晶之间的复杂关系，强调了平衡结晶度和机械性能以实现最佳材料性能的必要性。宽带介电谱（BDS）证实了PEF-PCL具有优异的分布且无相分离，这对于保持材料性能的一致性至关重要。使用纳米压痕测试评估了机械性能，结果表明这些共聚物由于其增强的机械强度和柔韧性而具有作为柔性包装材料的潜力。该研究得出结论，PEF-PCL嵌段共聚物是可持续包装解决方案的有前途的候选材料，兼具环境效益和理想的材料性能。
