Biodegradable PET Copolymer Composition for Strength and Microbial Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastics and rubbers do not naturally decompose, leading to environmental issues with microplastics, and there is a need for materials that can be biodegraded in natural environments.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable copolymer composition comprising a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) component and specific polycondensation components, such as aliphatic diols, dicarboxylic acids, and amino acids, with a molar ratio ranging from 1:4 to 4:1, allowing for controlled degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional plastics and rubbers are used to improve mechanical properties and durability, then strength and reliability are improved, but biodegradability deteriorates causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining PET (providing mechanical strength) with biodegradable polycondensation components (providing degradation capability). This creates a copolymer that integrates both strength and biodegradability in a single material system, resolving the contradiction between durability and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by incorporating specific biodegradable components (diols, diamines, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, or amino acids) into the PET structure. This compositional modification enables the material to maintain strength while gaining biodegradability through controlled chemical structure changes.
2Reliability
If plastics are designed for improved durability and resistance to natural forces, then reliability is improved, but degradability deteriorates preventing natural decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior into the material by designing it to transition from a stable, durable state during use to a degradable state after service life. The copolymer structure allows the material to maintain reliability under operational conditions while possessing inherent dynamic degradation capability when exposed to environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-incorporating biodegradable functional groups and structures into the polymer chain during synthesis. This preliminary design ensures that the material has built-in degradation pathways activated upon exposure to natural environments, eliminating the need for post-use modification.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable components are added to enable degradation, then environmental compatibility is improved, but mechanical properties may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing biodegradable components at specific positions within the copolymer structure. The PET segments provide strength while the biodegradable polycondensation components are positioned to enable degradation without compromising the overall mechanical integrity of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the molar ratio parameter between PET and polycondensation components (ranging from 1:4 to 4:1) to achieve the right balance between mechanical strength and biodegradability. This parameter adjustment allows tuning of material properties to meet specific application requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The copolymer composition exhibits elastomeric behavior and can be rapidly degraded by microorganisms, reducing environmental pollution and offering alternatives to conventional plastics.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable polymeric materials, which can be degraded into small molecules by sunlight, water, or microorganisms in the earth
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are biodegradable copolymer compositions essentially consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) component and a polycondensation component chosen from a linear aliphatic diol or diamine with from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid with from 7 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched aliphatic diol or diamine with from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a branched aliphatic dicarboxylic acid with from 3 to 32 carbon atoms, an aliphatic hydroxy acid with from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, an aliphatic amino acid with from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and/or acetylated modifications thereof, wherein the molar ratio of PET to polycondensation component ranges between 1:4 to 4:1.