Properties of poly(butylene-co-isosorbide succinate) after blown film extrusion

Abstract

In this study, the sugar-based monomer isosorbide (IS) was used to improve the properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The molecular weight of all copolyesters was approximately 100 000 g/mol, and they presented a random microstructure combined with excellent thermal stability. The IS-containing copolyesters were all semicrystalline, and both their crystallinity and crystallization rate decreased with the introduction of the rigid structure of IS into the PBS chain. IS also had an effect on the mechanical properties and gas barrier properties of the copolyesters. Blown films from poly(butylene-co-isosorbide succinate) copolyesters were prepared. The gas barrier and mechanical properties achieved a significant improvement after blowing.