Synthesis and properties of biodegradable thiophene-based aliphatic polycarbonate/polyester copolymer: Potential substitutes for terephthalic acid-based polymer

2,5-Thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TDCA), a bio-based monomer containing an aromatic ring structure, was introduced into the molecular chain of Poly (butylene carbonates) (PBC) as a sustainable unit to optimize its performance and improve its sustainability. The Poly (butylene carbonate-co-thiopenedicarboxylate) (PBCTH) copolymer were synthesized using a melt polycondensation method. The Tg values of PBCTH copolyesters increased significantly along with the introduction of Dimethyl Thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMTD) (from –32.9 to 24.7 °C). The results manifested that the triad components were existed in the copolymers with a random sequential structure, and incorporation of butylene thiophene dicarboxylate (BTH) units into PBC could prominently impact the thermal transition behavior, crystallinity as well as thermal stability of PBCTHs in a degree. In addition, WAXD results indicated that the DMTD introduction could obviously change the crystal structure and crystallinity of the copolymers. The thermal stability of PBCTHs also expressed to be enhanced during the process of increasing BTH unit content. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and biodegradability of copolymers can be easily adjusted by regulating the feed composition. The permeabilities of H2O were lower than that of commercially available PBAT. The synthesized biodegradable PBCTH providing excellent gas barrier performance will serve as a promising candidate material for eco-friendly packaging applications.