Kilogram-scale preparation of sustainable PETG modified with a biobased cyclic diol derived from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural: From synthesis to properties

Bio-Based Copolyester PEIFT: Enhanced Hydrophilicity, Rigidity, and Applications in Nanofibers

The raw materials of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are derived from petroleum-based resources, which are no sustainable. Therefore, previous researchers introduced biomass-derived 2,5-tetrahydrofurfuryl dimethanol (THFDM) into PET. However, its heat resistance has decreased compared to PET. In this paper, a novel bio-based copolyester, poly(ethylene glycol-co-2,5-tetrahydrofuran dimethanol-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PEIFT), is prepared by introducing biomass-derived isosorbide (ISB) and THFDM into the PET chains through melting copolymerization process. With the introduction of ISB content, copolyesters' hydrophilicity and rigidity improve. Compared to PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) increases by over 5 °C. In addition, the toughness and spinning performance of PEIFT have also been improved as a result of the addition of THFDM components. The hydrophobicity of PEIFTs electrospinning is greatly improved, with a contact angle exceeding 135°. Finally, due to the good hydrophobicity of PEIFTs nanofibers, they have potential application value in the manufacture of hydrophobic nanofiber and filter films. Given its biomass source and excellent performance, they make it easier to replace materials derived from petroleum.

New bio-based polyester with excellent spinning performance: poly(tetrahydrofuran dimethanol-co-ethylene terephthalate)

With the excessive consumption of fossil energy, technologies that transform bio-based resources into materials have received more and more attention from researchers in recent decades. In this paper, a series of poly(ethylene 2,5-tetrahydrofuran dimethyl terephthalate; PEFTs) with different components were synthesized from 2,5-tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM), terephthalic acid (TPA), and ethylene glycol (EG). Their chemical structures and compositions were determined by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. With the increase in THFDM content, the crystallization, T m, and tensile strength of PEFTs gradually decrease because the introduced THFDM breaks the order of molecular chains, while the thermal stability and T g remain stable. PEFTs seem to present a significant shear thinning phenomenon, which was indicated by the rheological test. Electrospinning technology was used to explore the spinnability of PEFT; it was found that PEFTs have better spinning performance than PET. In addition, due to the good hydrophobicity and porosity of PEFT nanofiber films, they have potential application value in the manufacture of hydrophobic nanofiber and filter films.