Crystallization kinetics, aggregated structure and thermal stability of biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) manipulated by a biocompatible layered metal phosphonate as an efficient nucleator

A P- and Zn-containing organic/inorganic hybrid layered metal phosphonate (PPZn) as a biocompatible nucleator was incorporated into biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) polyester to investigate the effect of the PPZn on the crystallization behavior, crystal and aggregated structure, crystal morphology and thermal stability of the PES. Two traditional inorganic nucleators (Talc and BN) were utilized for comparison with the PPZn. The PPZn exhibited markedly higher nucleation effect than the Talc and BN. The PPZn significantly enhanced the T-c and crystallization rate, and shortened the crystallization time of the PES, as confirmed by the crystallization kinetics. Hydrogen bond interaction exists between the PPZn and PES C=O group and between the PPZn and PES amorphous C-O-C group, which facilitates the uniform dispersion of the PPZn in the PES matrix. The nucleation of the PES is mainly attributed to good crystal lattice matching between the PES and PPZn. The PPZn slightly increased the thermal degradation temperature of the PES below 380 degrees C. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry

Automated summary

The P- and Zn-containing organic/inorganic hybrid layered metal phosphonate (PPZn) acted as a biocompatible nucleator in biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) polyester, significantly enhancing its crystallization rate and thermal stability. The nucleation was mainly attributed to good crystal lattice matching between PES and PPZn, which facilitated uniform dispersion.