Linear Diamides Derivative-Nucleated Biodegradable Poly(ethylene succinate) Polyester: Crystallization Kinetics and Aggregated Structure Manipulated by Hydrogen Bond Interaction

A linear diamides derivative (TMC300) as a nucleating agent (NA) was incorporated into biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) to investigate effect of TMC300 on nucleation, crystallizability, crystallization kinetics, aggregated structure of PES. TMC300 enhanced significantly crystallizability and crystallization temperature of PES in cooling process at a rate of 10 celcius/min from molten state, indicating that TMC300 exhibits an excellent nucleation effect on PES. IR measurement suggested that TMC300 interacts with amorphous carbonyl and ester segment, and crystalline CH2 segment of PES via hydrogen bond. Change rate of carbonyl group is comparable to that of C-C backbone of PES, regardless of the presence or absence of TMC300. Small difference of diffraction peak in WAXD measurement between neat PES and PES/TMC300 is probably attributed to spherulitic orientation on film surface of neat PES, and different spatial arrangements in the same crystal lattice. TMC300 enhanced carbon residue yield of PES/TMC300 composite, probably related to slight flame retardance effect.

Automated summary

The study found that TMC300 as a nucleating agent significantly improved the crystallizability of PES during cooling process, and interacted with PES through hydrogen bonds. This interaction played a key role in enhancing the nucleation effect of TMC300 on PES.