Biodegradable Polyester Mixture with Epoxy Compatibilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable polyester mixtures composed of polylactide and polyhydroxyalkanoates face challenges such as degradation, inadequate bubble stability, and poor puncture resistance, particularly in thick films with high polylactide content, making them unsuitable for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of biodegradable polyester mixtures incorporating semiaromatic polyesters as a continuous phase, combined with copolymers containing epoxy groups and natural oils, along with branching agent masterbatches, to enhance stability and processability, allowing for the creation of impact-resistant and puncture-resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polylactide and polyhydroxyalkanoates are used in high proportions to achieve biodegradability, then environmental compatibility is improved, but bubble stability and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A compatibilizer comprising a copolymer with epoxy groups and based on styrene, acrylate and/or methacrylate is introduced as an intermediary substance between the semiaromatic polyester and the biopolymer components. This compatibilizer mediates the interface between incompatible polymer phases, improving adhesion and stabilizing the foam structure during processing and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining semiaromatic polyester (providing mechanical strength and processability) with biodegradable polymers (polylactide and polyhydroxyalkanoates providing environmental compatibility). The composite structure allows each component to contribute its advantageous properties while the compatibilizer ensures proper phase distribution and interfacial adhesion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polylactide content is increased to enhance biodegradability, then environmental compatibility is improved, but puncture resistance and mechanical strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the local composition and distribution of polymer phases within the material structure. The compatibilizer creates localized regions of improved adhesion at the interface between semiaromatic polyester and polylactide, while maintaining appropriate phase morphology that preserves mechanical strength despite high biopolymer content.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies key material parameters including the chemical structure of the compatibilizer (epoxy groups providing crosslinking capability), the molecular weight and composition ratios of polymer components, and processing parameters to achieve optimal balance between biodegradability and mechanical performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If semiaromatic polyester is used as continuous phase to improve processability, then ease of manufacture is improved, but biodegradability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The semiaromatic polyester serves multiple functions: it provides the continuous phase for processability, contributes mechanical strength, and when combined with biodegradable polymers in the specified ratio range, maintains overall biodegradability of the composite material. The compatibilizer ensures all components work together synergistically.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies precise compositional parameters (5-50 wt% semiaromatic polyester, 50-95 wt% biopolymer) to achieve the optimal balance between processability and biodegradability. Within this parameter range, the material exhibits both good manufacturability and environmental compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to biodegradable polyester mixture, comprisingi) from 5 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and on aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, andii) from 20 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one biodegradable homo- or copolyester selected from the group consisting of polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polyesters composed of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic diols, andiii) from 0.1 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, a) of a copolymer containing epoxy groups and based on styrene, acrylate, and/or methacrylate, b) of a bisphenol A epoxide, or c) of a fatty acid amide or fatty acid ester or natural oil containing epoxy groups; andiv) from 0 to 15% by weight of additive; andv) from 0 to 50% by weight of inorganic or organic filler,and also to processes for their preparation and a method for their use.