Solving the Obstacles for Biodegradable Polyester: Water-Insensitive Titanium-Citrate Complex
발표자
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초록
내용
In the process of polyester synthesis, extraction of byproducts such as water or methanol is crucial for a continuous synthesis. Titanium(IV) butoxide (TBT), one of the most commonly used catalysts of poly(butylene succinate)(PBS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), is extremely weak in moisture. Hence, multi-step injection of catalyst is selected when polyesters are synthesized to preserve optimal catalytic activity. However, the extra catalyst injected by multi-step can remain in the final product. During thermal processing, the final product leads to thermal degradation and mechanical deterioration. In this study, a water-insensitive titanium-citrate complex (WIC) was injected only once at the initial state of synthesis. Polymers with WIC can maintain their authentic properties even after thermal processing. Hydrophilic filler like chitosan can be introduced during such synthesis due to the dispersion in water of WIC.