A novel biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties by incorporating tannic acid

It is a challenge to simultaneously enhance the thermo-oxidative stability, mechanical properties and biodegradability of biodegradable polymer. In this work, by incorporating tannin acid, a natural compound with polyphenol hydroxyl, a biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with improved thermo-oxidative stability and biodegradability was successfully prepared. Besides, due to the existence of plentiful hydrogen bond between PPC and tannic acid (TA), the composite exhibits an obviously improved Young's modulus and yield strength while retaining a high break strain (>350%). The improved comprehensive properties should be ascribed to the abundant polyphenol hydroxyl in TA, which can consume oxygen, enhance the hydrophilia of PPC/TA composites and constructing plentiful hydrogen bond with PPC. We envision that this work offers a facile route to prepare PPC with high thermo-oxidative stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability, and will promote the practical use of PPC.

Automated summary

In this work, a biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with improved thermo-oxidative stability and biodegradability was successfully prepared by incorporating tannin acid. The composite exhibits improvements in Young's modulus and yield strength due to the plentiful hydrogen bond between PPC and tannic acid (TA). The improved properties are attributed to the abundant polyphenol hydroxyl in TA, which enhances the hydrophilia of PPC/TA composites and constructs plentiful hydrogen bonds with PPC.