Polymers, coating materials, and assembled products

Abstract

To provide a degradable polymer.SOLUTION: A constituent monomer of a polymer includes a benzene ring derivative, lactide and caprolactone. The ratio of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the ratio of lactide in the polymer. The ratio of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the ratio of caprolactone in the polymer. Thereby, a product produced from the polymer can be decomposed in a light-irradiated marine environment, contributing to reducing the destruction of marine ecosystems by waste products.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to polymers and coating materials, particularly to polymers and coating materials that are applicable to assembled products and have degradability.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing environmental awareness, the use of environmentally friendly materials has been advocated from daily necessities to electronic products. Common environmentally friendly materials include recyclable materials, recycled materials, and biodegradable materials. Biodegradable materials can reduce the destruction of the ecological environment and can also save the recycling cost of such products due to their biodegradable nature. Therefore, they are widely applied to low-cost products that are widely used in daily life, such as snack packaging bags, handbags, and disposable containers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] There are many products made of biodegradable materials, but most biodegradable materials have a low decomposition rate, and their decomposition effect is restricted by the environment. Usually, they can be decomposed only in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. If their waste enters the ocean without proper treatment, it cannot be effectively decomposed, and ultimately it will destroy the marine ecosystem. In addition, because biodegradable materials have the property of degradability, their molecular structure is relatively fragile, and they are likely to decompose or undergo chemical reactions in the daily environment, resulting in a decrease in durability or the possibility of being damaged before being made into products.

[0004] As can be seen from the above, the research and development of biodegradable materials that are not restricted by the environment and have high durability has become a very important goal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure describes how to manufacture products with biodegradable properties by designing polymers using benzene ring derivatives, lactides, and caprolactones as monomers, and how products made from these polymers can be decomposed in a light-irradiated marine environment, thereby contributing to the reduction of damage to marine ecosystems caused by waste products.

[0006] The polymer provided in this disclosure is biodegradable, and the constituent monomers of the polymer include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone. These are 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone, α-dimethoxy-α-phenylacetophenone, or 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone. The degradation rate of the polymer after 28 days in a light-irradiated marine environment is considered to be Drus28, satisfying the condition 13% ≤ Drus28.

[0007] The coating material provided in this disclosure includes the polymer described in the preceding paragraph.

[0008] The assembled products provided in this disclosure include the coating materials described in the preceding paragraph.

[0009] The polymer provided in this disclosure is biodegradable, and the constituent monomers of the polymer include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone. The molar proportion of the polymer is smaller than the molar proportion of the lactide polymer, and the molar proportion of the benzene ring derivative polymer is smaller than the molar proportion of the caprolactone polymer. The wavelength at which the polymer's absorbance reaches its maximum is defined as WAmax, and the condition WAmax ≤ 300 nm is satisfied.

[0010] The coating material provided in this disclosure includes the polymer described in the preceding paragraph.

[0011] The assembled products provided in this disclosure include the coating materials described in the preceding paragraph. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] The diagrams showing the relationship between wavelength and absorbance of polymers according to the first and second examples of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 2] The diagrams showing the relationship between wavelength and transmittance of polymers according to the first and second examples of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 3]This diagram shows the change in the degradation rate of a polymer in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 4] The diagram shows the change in the degradation rate of the polymer in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment according to the second embodiment of the disclosed content. [Figure 5] The diagrams showing the changes in the biodegradation rate of polymers in a soil environment according to the first to third examples of this disclosure are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The polymers provided in this disclosure are biodegradable, and the constituent monomers of the polymers include benzene ring derivatives, lactides, and caprolactones. Therefore, by designing polymers using benzene ring derivatives, lactides, and caprolactones as monomers, this disclosure enables the production of biodegradable products. These products can be degraded in a light-irradiated marine environment, contributing to the reduction of damage to marine ecosystems caused by waste products.

[0014] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the proportion of the lactide polymer, and the proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the proportion of the caprolactone polymer. By adjusting the proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer to be smaller than the proportion of the lactide and caprolactone polymers, the proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is low, which means it has the effect of degrading in a light-irradiated marine environment, and contributes to balancing the degradation rate and durability of the polymer. The proportions of the benzene ring derivative, lactide and caprolactone in the polymer may be 1:2 to 7:2 to 5, and may be 1:2:2, 1:2:3, 1:3:3, 1:4:3, 1:4:4, 1:5:4, 1:5:5, 1:6:5 or 1:7:5, but this disclosure is not limited to the above proportions.

[0015] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymers in a light-irradiated marine environment after 28 days is Drus28, satisfying the condition 13% ≤ Drus28. By satisfying the degradation rate of the polymers in a light-irradiated marine environment, the degradation effect in a light-irradiated marine environment after disposal of products made from the polymers can be improved, preventing the polymer products from remaining in the ocean and further reducing damage to marine ecosystems. The condition 14% ≤ Drus28 may also be satisfied. The condition 15% ≤ Drus28 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0016] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the benzene ring derivative has at least one of a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, and an ether group. By designing the monomer of the polymer to be a benzene ring derivative having a hydroxyl group, a carbonyl group, and an ether group, the above functional groups can participate in photoreactions, increasing intramolecular or intermolecular bonding and contributing to an improvement in the photoreaction rate of the benzene ring derivative.

[0017] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the wavelength at which the polymer has maximum absorbance is defined as WAmax, and the condition WAmax ≤ 300 nm is satisfied. As a result, the atmospheric layer can block light rays with wavelengths of 300 nm or less, and by limiting the wavelength at which the polymer has maximum absorbance to 300 nm or less, it is possible to avoid the polymer being consumed by chemical reactions due to irradiation with natural light, thereby contributing to improved durability of the polymer. The conditions WAmax ≤ 400 nm may also be satisfied. The conditions WAmax ≤ 350 nm may also be satisfied. The conditions 0 nm ≤ WAmax ≤ 270 nm may also be satisfied.

[0018] The polymers provided in this disclosure may have light-absorbing properties in the benzene ring derivative. By designing a benzene ring derivative with light-absorbing properties in the polymer, electron transfer occurs in the polymer upon light irradiation, which contributes to reducing the difficulty of the polymer undergoing chemical reactions.

[0019] According to the polymer provided by the present disclosure, the average molecular weight of the polymer is Mn set to be, and it may satisfy the condition of 300 g / mole ≤ Mn . By satisfying the lower limit of the average molecular weight of the polymer, it is possible to avoid the polymer from passing through the cell membrane and contribute to the improvement of biosecurity. In addition, Mn it may satisfy the condition of ≤ 10,000 g / mole. By restricting the upper limit of the average molecular weight of the polymer, it is possible to reduce the difficulty of bond cleavage and contribute to the reduction of the degradation difficulty of the polymer. In addition, 300 g / mole ≤ Mn ≤ 10,000 g / mole may be satisfied. In addition, 500 g / mole ≤ Mn may be satisfied. In addition, 1,000 g / mole ≤ Mn ≤ 10,000 g / mole may be satisfied. In addition, 1,200 g / mole ≤ Mn ≤ 8,000 g / mole may be satisfied. In addition, 1,500 g / mole ≤ Mn ≤ 6,000 g / mole may be satisfied. In addition, 2,000 g / mole ≤ Mn ≤ 4,000 g / mole may be satisfied.

[0020] According to the polymer provided by the present disclosure, the decomposition temperature of the polymer is Pt, and it may satisfy the condition of 100°C ≤ Pt. By satisfying the decomposition temperature of the polymer, it is possible to contribute to the stable maintenance of the structure of the polymer at high temperatures. In addition, 120°C ≤ Pt may be satisfied. In addition, 150°C ≤ Pt ≤ 1,000°C may be satisfied. In addition, 180°C ≤ Pt ≤ 800°C may be satisfied. In addition, 200°C ≤ Pt ≤ 500°C may be satisfied.

[0021] The polymer provided in this disclosure has a viscosity of Vi, and may satisfy the condition Vi ≤ 500 Pa·s. By limiting the viscosity of the polymer, it is possible to ensure that the polymer has good fluidity and contribute to improving the convenience of use of the polymer. The condition Vi ≤ 300 Pa·s may also be satisfied. The condition Vi ≤ 100 Pa·s may also be satisfied. The condition Vi ≤ 50 Pa·s may also be satisfied. The condition 1 Pa·s ≤ Vi ≤ 30 Pa·s may also be satisfied.

[0022] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the solubility of the polymer in water is denoted as Sw, and the condition Sw ≤ 5.00% may be satisfied. By limiting the solubility of the polymer in water, it is possible to avoid the polymer becoming ineffective due to moisture or sprinkling, and to contribute to improving the waterproofing properties of the polymer. The condition Sw ≤ 3.00% may also be satisfied. The condition Sw ≤ 1.00% may also be satisfied. The condition 0.00% ≤ Sw ≤ 0.50% may also be satisfied. The condition 0.10% ≤ Sw ≤ 0.35% may also be satisfied.

[0023] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a light-irradiated marine environment is Drus28, and the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a light-free marine environment is Drs28, and the condition 1% ≤ Drus28 - Drs28 may be satisfied. By satisfying the difference in degradation rates between the light-irradiated and light-free marine environments, it is possible to contribute to improving the additive effect on polymer degradation by light irradiation. The condition 3% ≤ Drus28 - Drs28 may also be satisfied. The condition 5% ≤ Drus28 - Drs28 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0024] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-irradiated marine environment is Drus178, and the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-free marine environment is Drs178, and the condition 5% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 may be satisfied. By satisfying the difference in long-term degradation rates between the light-irradiated and light-free marine environments, it is possible to contribute to improving the upper limit of the additive effect on polymer degradation by light irradiation. The condition 10% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 15% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 20% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 25% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 30% ≤ Drus178 - Drs178 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0025] The polymer provided in this disclosure may be biodegradable, and its decomposition rate on day 28 in a soil environment may be Dr28, satisfying the condition 50% ≤ Dr28. By satisfying the decomposition rate of the polymer in a soil environment, it is possible to improve the decomposition effect of the polymer in a soil environment. The condition 60% ≤ Dr28 may also be satisfied. The condition 70% ≤ Dr28 may also be satisfied. The condition 80% ≤ Dr28 may also be satisfied. The condition 90% ≤ Dr28 may also be satisfied. The condition 95% ≤ Dr28 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0026] The polymer provided in this disclosure may be biodegradable, and the time required for the polymer to reach a 50% decomposition rate in the soil environment is defined as TDr50p, and the condition TDr50p ≤ 28 days may be satisfied. By satisfying the time required for the polymer to decompose in the soil environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the decomposition efficiency of the polymer in the soil environment. The condition TDr50p ≤ 21 days may also be satisfied. The condition 0 days ≤ TDr50p ≤ 14 days may also be satisfied. The condition 1 day ≤ TDr50p ≤ 7 days may also be satisfied. The condition 2 days ≤ TDr50p ≤ 5 days may also be satisfied.

[0027] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the average transmittance of the polymer at wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm is T4070, and the condition 70.00% ≤ T4070 may be satisfied. By satisfying the transmittance of the polymer in the visible light band, the influence of the polymer on light transmittance can be avoided, contributing to the expansion of the polymer's application range. The condition 80.00% ≤ T4070 may also be satisfied. The condition 90.00% ≤ T4070 may also be satisfied. The condition 95.00% ≤ T4070 ≤ 100.00% may also be satisfied.

[0028] The polymer provided in this disclosure has an average transmittance of T70100 at wavelengths of 700nm to 1000nm, and may satisfy the condition 70.00% ≤ T70100. By satisfying the transmittance of the polymer in the near-infrared light band, the influence of the polymer on the transmission of near-infrared light can be avoided, and the polymer can be used in near-infrared light-related products. The condition 80.00% ≤ T70100 may also be satisfied. The condition 90.00% ≤ T70100 may also be satisfied. The condition 95.00% ≤ T70100 ≤ 100.00% may also be satisfied.

[0029] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a light-free marine environment is Drs28, and the condition 1% ≤ Drs28 may be satisfied. By satisfying the degradation rate of the polymer in a light-free marine environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the degradation effect of the polymer in a light-free marine environment. The condition 3% ≤ Drs28 may also be satisfied. The condition 5% ≤ Drs28 may also be satisfied. The condition 8% ≤ Drs28 may also be satisfied. The condition 10% ≤ Drs28 may also be satisfied. The condition 12% ≤ Drs28 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0030] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-free marine environment is Drs178, and the condition 5% ≤ Drs178 may be satisfied. By satisfying the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-free marine environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the long-term degradation effect of the polymer in a light-free marine environment. The condition 10% ≤ Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 15% ≤ Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 20% ≤ Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 25% ≤ Drs178 may also be satisfied. The condition 30% ≤ Drs178 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0031] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-irradiated marine environment is Drus178, and the condition 30% ≤ Drus178 may be satisfied. By satisfying the degradation rate of the polymer on day 178 in a light-irradiated marine environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the long-term degradation effect of the polymer in a light-irradiated marine environment. The condition 40% ≤ Drus178 may also be satisfied. The condition 50% ≤ Drus178 may also be satisfied. The condition 60% ≤ Drus178 may also be satisfied. The condition 63% ≤ Drus178 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0032] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the decomposition rate of the polymer on day 35 in a soil environment is set to Dr35, and the condition 50% ≤ Dr35 may be satisfied. By satisfying the decomposition rate of the polymer on day 35 in a soil environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the short-term decomposition effect of the polymer in a soil environment. Furthermore, the condition 60% ≤ Dr35 may be satisfied. Furthermore, the condition 70% ≤ Dr35 may be satisfied. Furthermore, the condition 80% ≤ Dr35 may be satisfied. Furthermore, the condition 90% ≤ Dr35 may be satisfied. Furthermore, the condition 95% ≤ Dr35 ≤ 100% may be satisfied.

[0033] According to the polymer provided in this disclosure, the decomposition rate of the polymer on day 56 in a soil environment is defined as Dr56, and the condition 50% ≤ Dr56 may be satisfied. By satisfying the decomposition rate of the polymer on day 56 in a soil environment, it is possible to contribute to improving the medium-term decomposition effect of the polymer in a soil environment. The condition 60% ≤ Dr56 may also be satisfied. The condition 70% ≤ Dr56 may also be satisfied. The condition 80% ≤ Dr56 may also be satisfied. The condition 90% ≤ Dr56 may also be satisfied. The condition 95% ≤ Dr56 ≤ 100% may also be satisfied.

[0034] The polymers provided in this disclosure may be modified by adding a catalyst to the polymerization reaction of the polymer, and the catalyst may be stannous isooctanoate, stannous chloride, stannous sulfate, dibutyltin oxide, or dibutyltin dilaurate.

[0035] With respect to the polymers provided in this disclosure, having light-absorbing properties means that the monomer has or possesses the properties of a light-absorbing agent in the polymer. A light-absorbing monomer can cause a polymer to undergo a chemical reaction after being irradiated with light, changing the strength or manner of intramolecular or intermolecular bonds, or changing its molecular morphology. A light-absorbing agent refers to a compound or substance that causes a chemical reaction upon light irradiation, and the chemical reaction that occurs upon light irradiation may be called a photoreaction, and the type of light that induces the photoreaction may be ultraviolet light or visible light. The light-absorbing monomers of the polymers in this disclosure may be divided into ultraviolet light-absorbing monomers that absorb ultraviolet light, visible light-absorbing monomers that absorb visible light, and blue light-absorbing monomers that absorb blue light. The benzene ring derivative may be 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone (IRGACURE 2959), 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone (HMPP), α-dimethoxy-α-phenylacetophenone (DMPA), 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone (HCPK), or other compounds having a benzene ring, but the disclosure is not limited to the above compounds.

[0036] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the average molecular weight of the polymer refers to the number-average molecular weight of the entire polymer molecule at the time of testing, and its formula is as follows: Number-average molecular weight = (Σ molecular weight) / total number of molecules.

[0037] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the decomposition temperature of the polymer refers to the temperature at which the polymer begins to decompose thermally.

[0038] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the viscosity of the polymer refers to its tackiness and can represent the fluidity of the polymer.

[0039] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the solubility of the polymer in water refers to the solubility of the polymer when water is used as the solvent. During the test, a very small amount of the polymer is gradually added to water as a solute until the polymer can no longer be dissolved.

[0040] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the absorbance and transmittance of the polymers were obtained by performing an absorbance test once every 20 nm at wavelengths of 200 nm to 1000 nm using a spectrophotometer and measuring the absorbance (OD). One side of the spectrophotometer has a light source and provides parallel light rays of various wavelengths. After the light rays pass through the test object, the light intensity is detected by a detector on the other side, and the absorbance can be obtained by comparing the light intensity before and after passing through the test object. The relationship between absorbance and transmittance is as follows. Absorbance=-log 10 (transmittance).

[0041] Since the polymer is in liquid form during measurement, its reflectivity is very weak and can be ignored. The sum of the absorptive and transmittance is 100%, and the absorptive and transmittance can be inversely estimated from the absorbance. When testing absorbance, the polymer concentration is assumed to be 0.25% (by weight), and the diluent is deionized water. The polymer transmits almost completely at some wavelengths, resulting in a negative error in the absorbance. In this case, the absorbance is considered to be 0, and the transmittance is considered to be 100%.

[0042] With respect to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the biodegradability of a polymer means that the polymer can be gradually degraded by microorganisms in a given environment.

[0043] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the marine environment refers to immersing the test subject in a decomposition solution of simulated seawater. Specifically, the test subject and the decomposition solution are placed in a decomposition tank in a weight ratio of 1:6, and the decomposition tank is observed continuously for 180 days at 25±2℃. The composition and steps of the decomposition solution are as follows:

[0044] I. Stock solution for mineral medium:

[0045] Solution (a): 8.50 g of KH2PO4, 21.75 g of K2HPO4, 33.40 g of Na2HPO4, and 0.50 g of NH4Cl were dissolved in deionized water until the total volume reached 1 L, and the pH was adjusted to 7.4.

[0046] Solution (b): 27.50 g of CaCl2 or 36.40 g of CaCl2·2H2O was dissolved in deionized water until the total volume reached 1 L.

[0047] Solution (c): 22.50 g of MgSO4·7H2O was dissolved in deionized water until the total volume reached 1 L.

[0048] Solution (d): 0.25 g of FeCl3·6H2O was dissolved in deionized water until the total volume reached 1 L. To facilitate storage, one drop of concentrated sulfuric acid or 0.4 g of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) may be added to this solution.

[0049] II. Mineral medium: Add 10 mL of solution (a) to 800 mL of deionized water, then add 1 mL each of solution (b), solution (c), and solution (d) in sequence, and top with deionized water until the total volume reaches 1 L.

[0050] III. Pretreatment of compost - Preparation of decomposition solution:

[0051] After removing large clumps from the compost used for ASTM-D5338, the compost was washed with culture medium, centrifuged (1100g, 10min), and the supernatant was removed. This process was repeated 3 to 5 times, and the compost was dried in a 70°C oven. Before use, it was redissolved in culture medium until the concentration reached 3g / L to 5g / L, stirred for 2 minutes, and allowed to stand for 20 minutes to allow the particles to settle. The supernatant was then added to the culture medium and mixed with a 10mL / L decomposition solution to adjust the pH to 7.4±0.2.

[0052] During the test, a fresh 0.1M KOH aqueous solution is prepared, dispensed into a 50mL PP tank, and placed inside the decomposition tank. The decomposition tank is then placed at the bottom of a room-temperature sealed box (25±2℃) measuring 88.4cm (length) × 70.2cm (width) × 76.4cm (height) to allow incubation, and the KOH aqueous solution absorbs the CO2 released during the decomposition of the test material. The KOH aqueous solution is changed 6 times / week during the initial stages of the test (days 1 to 30), then changed to 2 times / week until day 180 after one month, and the total test duration may exceed 180 days.

[0053] The collected KOH aqueous solution is pH-metered and compared to a control group (0.1 M KOH aqueous solution, placed in an incubator where no decomposition reaction is occurring). The pH is then converted to hydrogen ion concentration, and further converted from hydrogen ion concentration to CO2 weight to estimate the decomposition rate. The conversion formula mentioned above is as follows: (1) Change in hydroxyl group concentration = concentration of hydroxyl groups in the control group - concentration of hydroxyl groups in the experimental group = concentration of hydrogen ions. (2) Change in the weight (unit: mg) of carbon dioxide = concentration of hydrogen ions × 44 / 2 × 50 mL, where 44 is the molecular weight of carbon dioxide, 2 is the reaction equilibrium constant of carbon dioxide, and 50 mL is the volume of the aqueous solution. (3) Mineralization (decomposition) percentage = change in the weight of carbon dioxide / theoretical amount of carbon dioxide required for the subject to be completely decomposed × 100%.

[0054] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the light-irradiated environment and the non-light-treated environment refer to whether or not light irradiation was performed. The lamps used during light irradiation are the TL-K 40W / 10-R SLV from Katsuya Corporation and the TL 20W / 52 SLV / 25 from Philips Corporation, with one of each type of lamp installed at the top of a sealed box, and the wavelength of the light irradiation is approximately 350nm to 500nm.

[0055] According to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the soil environment refers to a test environment using ASTM-D5338 as the standard measurement method, and the decomposition rate of the soil environment is the test result obtained by the ASTM-D5338 method, and is the decomposition percentage calculated in units of weight. Specifically, the test material and activated sludge (fertilizer) are mixed with each other in a weight ratio of 1:6, and the moisture content in the decomposition tank is maintained at approximately 50% with perlite, and the decomposition tank is placed at 58±2℃ and continuously observed for 180 days. The main components of the fertilizer include livestock manure, soybean flour, bagasse, wood chips, wheat bran, and mushroom cultivation waste, and the components of the perlite are as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0056] During the test, a fresh 0.1M KOH aqueous solution is mixed and dispensed into a 50mL PP tank, placed in the decomposition tank, and then the decomposition tank is placed in an incubator (58±2℃) for incubation, allowing the KOH aqueous solution to absorb the CO2 released during the decomposition of the test material. The KOH aqueous solution is replaced 6 times per week during the initial stages of the test (days 1 to 30), then changed to 2 times per week until day 180 after one month, and the total test duration may exceed 180 days.

[0057] The collected KOH aqueous solution is pH-metered and compared to a control group (0.1 M KOH aqueous solution, placed in an incubator where no decomposition reaction is occurring). The pH is then converted to hydrogen ion concentration, and further converted from hydrogen ion concentration to CO2 weight to estimate the decomposition rate. The conversion formula mentioned above is as follows: (1) Change in hydroxyl group concentration = concentration of hydroxyl groups in the control group - concentration of hydroxyl groups in the experimental group = concentration of hydrogen ions. (2) Change in the weight (unit: mg) of carbon dioxide = concentration of hydrogen ions × 44 / 2 × 50 mL, where 44 is the molecular weight of carbon dioxide, 2 is the reaction equilibrium constant of carbon dioxide, and 50 mL is the volume of the aqueous solution. (3) Mineralization (decomposition) percentage = change in the weight of carbon dioxide / theoretical amount of carbon dioxide required for the subject to be completely decomposed × 100%.

[0058] With respect to the polymers provided in this disclosure, the n-day degradation rate of the polymer refers to the n-day degradation rate of the polymer in a soil environment, the n-day degradation rate of the polymer in a light-free marine environment, or the n-day degradation rate of the polymer in a light-irradiated marine environment. Day n may be day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 14, day 21, day 24, day 25, day 26, day 28, day 29, day 30, day 31, day 35, day 42, day 49, day 52, day 56, day 59, day 63, day 66, day 70, day 73, day 77, day 80, day 84, day 87, day 91, day 94, day 98, day 101, day 105, day 140, day 150, day 154, day 157, day 175, day 178, or day 180, or it may be the degradation rate on any day from day 1 to day 180. For example, Dr28 is the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a soil environment and may be defined separately according to the above rules, where Dr21 represents the degradation rate of the polymer on day 21 in a soil environment, Drs14 represents the degradation rate of the polymer on day 14 in a light-free marine environment, and Drus42 represents the degradation rate of the polymer on day 42 in a light-irradiated marine environment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0059] The polymers provided in this disclosure may, but are not limited to, be used as adhesives, repair materials, coatings, packaging materials, or packing materials.

[0060] The coating materials provided in this disclosure include the polymer. The coating materials may include adhesives, viscose, gels, photocurable adhesives, and oxidative adhesives. The coating materials may be viscous or may form a film layer by curing after light irradiation, and may adhere substances, elements, or objects that come into contact with the coating material by light irradiation. The coating materials may be used in, but are not limited to, electronic products, packaging, clothing, containers, and various assembled products.

[0061] The assembled products provided in this disclosure include the coating material. Assembled products refer to products that require assembly of parts, and include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smart bracelets, watches, cameras, laptops, desktop computer hosts, screens, mice, keyboards, home appliances, chairs, desks, batteries, bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, containers, tableware, clothing, and packaging.

[0062] Based on the above embodiment, specific examples will be proposed and described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0063] <First Example>

[0064] The constituent monomers of the polymer in the first example include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone, the benzene ring derivative in the first example being 2-Hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone.

[0065] In the polymer of the first example, the average molecular weight of the polymer is Mn The decomposition temperature of the polymer is given as Pt, the viscosity of the polymer as Vi, and the solubility of the polymer in water as Sw. Mn The following conditions are met: =3700g / mole, Pt=246℃, Vi=6.547Pa·s, and Sw=0.38%.

[0066] In the polymer of the first example, the wavelength at which the polymer has maximum absorbance is defined as WAmax, the average transmittance of the polymer at wavelengths of 400nm to 700nm is defined as T4070, and the average transmittance of the polymer at wavelengths of 700nm to 1000nm is defined as T70100, satisfying the conditions WAmax = 280nm, T4070 = 100.00%, and T70100 = 99.50%.

[0067] In the polymer of the first example, the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a light-free marine environment is defined as Drs28, and the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in a light-irradiated marine environment is defined as Drus28, satisfying the conditions Drs28=13%, Drus28=16%, and Drus28-Drs28=3%.

[0068] In the polymer of the first example, the degradation rate of the polymer after 178 days in a light-free marine environment is defined as Drs178, and the degradation rate of the polymer after 178 days in a light-irradiated marine environment is defined as Drus178, satisfying the conditions Drs178=31%, Drus178=64%, and Drus178-Drs178=33%.

[0069] In the polymer of the first example, the decomposition rate of the polymer in a soil environment on day 28 is set to Dr28, the decomposition rate of the polymer in a soil environment on day 35 is set to Dr35, the decomposition rate of the polymer in a soil environment on day 56 is set to Dr56, and the time required for the polymer to reach a 50% decomposition rate in a soil environment is set to TDr50p, satisfying the conditions Dr28=100%, Dr35=99%, Dr56=98%, and TDr50p=3 days.

[0070] The chemical structure and properties of the polymer in the first example are shown in Table 2 below.

[0071] <Second Example>

[0072] The constituent monomers of the polymer in the second example include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone, and the benzene ring derivative in the second example is 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone.

[0073] The chemical structure and properties of the polymer in the second example are listed in Table 2 below. The definitions of the other parameters in Table 2 for the second example are all the same as in the first example and will not be repeated here.

[0074] <Third Example>

[0075] The constituent monomers of the polymer in the third example include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone, and the benzene ring derivative in the third example is 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone.

[0076] The chemical structure and properties of the polymer in the third example are listed in Table 2 below. The definitions of the other parameters in Table 2 for the third example are all the same as in the first example and will not be repeated here. [Table 2]

[0077] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 1 shows the relationship between wavelength and absorbance of polymers according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure, and Figure 2 shows the relationship between wavelength and transmittance of polymers according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the absorbance and transmittance of polymers according to the first and second embodiments were measured at different wavelengths of light, and the measurement results are shown in Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0078] As can be seen from Table 3, Figure 1, and Figure 2 above, the wavelength of the polymer's maximum absorbance in this disclosure may be less than 300 nm, thus avoiding chemical reactions and consumption of the polymer due to irradiation with natural light, and contributing to improved polymer durability. Furthermore, the average transmittance of the polymer in this disclosure at wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm may be greater than 70.00%, thus avoiding the polymer's influence on light transmittance and contributing to expanding the range of applications for the polymer.

[0079] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, Figure 3 shows the change in the degradation rate of the polymer of the first embodiment of this disclosure in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment, and Figure 4 shows the change in the degradation rate of the polymer of the second embodiment of this disclosure in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment. In this disclosure, the degradation rates of the polymers of the first and second embodiments were measured in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment. The light-irradiated marine environment refers to the irradiation of the polymer with light including ultraviolet (UV) light, and the light-free marine environment is the absence of ultraviolet light irradiation. The measurement results are shown in Table 4 below. [Table 4]

[0080] As can be seen from Table 4, Figure 3, and Figure 4 above, the difference in the degradation rate of the polymer described herein after 28 days in a light-irradiated marine environment and a light-free marine environment may be greater than 1%, and the difference in the degradation rate after 178 days may be greater than 5%, contributing to the additive effect on polymer degradation by light irradiation, and further improving the upper limit of the said additive effect.

[0081] Referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 shows the change in the biodegradation rate of the polymers in the soil environment according to the first to third examples of this disclosure. In this disclosure, the biodegradation rate in the soil environment was measured for the polymers of the first to third examples, and the measurement results are shown in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

[0082] As can be seen from Table 5 and Figure 5 above, the decomposition rate of the polymers described herein in a soil environment after 28 days may be greater than 50%, contributing to an improvement in the decomposition effect of the polymers in a soil environment. Furthermore, the time required for the polymers described herein to reach a 50% decomposition rate in a soil environment may be less than 28 days, contributing to an improvement in the decomposition efficiency of the polymers in a soil environment.

[0083] While the embodiments described herein have been presented as described above, the embodiments are not limiting, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations as long as they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the disclosure shall be based on the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A polymer that is biodegradable and whose constituent monomers include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone, The benzene ring derivative is 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone, α-dimethoxy-α-phenylacetophenone, or 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone. The degradation rate of the aforementioned polymer after 28 days in a light-irradiated marine environment is given as Drus28. 13% ≤ Drus28 A polymer that satisfies the following conditions.

2. The polymer according to claim 1, wherein the benzene ring derivative has light-absorbing properties.

3. The polymer according to claim 2, wherein the molar proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the molar proportion of the lactide in the polymer, and the molar proportion of the benzene ring derivative in the polymer is smaller than the molar proportion of the caprolactone in the polymer.

4. The average molecular weight of the aforementioned polymer is Mn. 300g / mole≦Mn The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

5. The average molecular weight of the aforementioned polymer is Mn. Mn≦10000g / mole The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

6. The decomposition temperature of the aforementioned polymer is set to Pt. 100℃ ≤ Pt The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

7. The viscosity of the polymer is denoted as Vi. Vi≦500Pa・s The polymer according to claim 6 that satisfies the following conditions.

8. The solubility of the polymer in water is denoted as Sw. Sw ≤ 5.00% The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

9. The degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in the light-irradiated marine environment is defined as Drus28, and the degradation rate of the polymer on day 28 in the light-free marine environment is defined as Drs28. 1%≦Drus28-Drs28 The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

10. The degradation rate of the polymer after 178 days in the light-irradiated marine environment is Drus178, and the degradation rate of the polymer after 178 days in the light-free marine environment is Drs178. 5%≦Drus178-Drs178 The polymer according to claim 9 that satisfies the following conditions.

11. The polymer is biodegradable, and its decomposition rate in a soil environment after 28 days is set to Dr28. 50% ≤ Dr28 The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

12. The polymer is biodegradable, and the time required for the polymer to reach a 50% decomposition rate in a soil environment is set to TDr50p. TDr50p ≤ 28 days The polymer according to claim 1 that satisfies the following condition.

13. A coating material comprising the polymer described in claim 1.

14. An assembled product comprising the coating material described in claim 13.

15. A polymer that is biodegradable and whose constituent monomers include a benzene ring derivative, lactide, and caprolactone, The benzene ring derivative is 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone, α-dimethoxy-α-phenylacetophenone, or 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone. The wavelength at which the absorbance of the polymer reaches its maximum is defined as WAmax. WAmax ≤ 300 nm A polymer that satisfies the following conditions.

16. The polymer according to claim 15, wherein the benzene ring derivative has light-absorbing properties.

17. The average molecular weight of the aforementioned polymer is Mn. 300g / mole≦Mn≦10000g / mole The polymer according to claim 15 that satisfies the following condition.

18. The solubility of the polymer in water is denoted as Sw. Sw ≤ 5.00% The polymer according to claim 15 that satisfies the following condition.

19. The average transmittance of the aforementioned polymer at wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm is given as T4070. 70.00% ≤ T4070 The polymer according to claim 15 that satisfies the following condition.

20. The polymer is biodegradable, and its decomposition rate in a soil environment after 28 days is set to Dr28. 50% ≤ Dr28 The polymer according to claim 15 that satisfies the following condition.

21. The polymer is biodegradable, and the time required for the polymer to reach a 50% decomposition rate in a soil environment is set to TDr50p. TDr50p ≤ 28 days The polymer according to claim 15 that satisfies the following condition.

22. A coating material comprising the polymer according to claim 15.

23. An assembled product comprising the coating material described in claim 22.

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