Synthesis of biodegradable co-polyesters and their physicochemical characterization

Abstract

Synthesized plastics are common materials used in our general life because of their processibility, lightness, durability and low cost compared with other materials such as metals and woods. Nylon is one of the most popular synthesized polymers used in various industrial fields. Especially, most of fishing gears are made of nylon for its high tensile strength and flexibility. However, abandoned nylon fishing gears cannot be degraded for a long time under the sea and cause a marine pollution as well as damage of fish resources through "Ghost fishing". For resolving these problems, biodegradable fishing net was suggested using the blend resin with poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). However, a flexibility of the fishing net was not enough compared with nylon net in spite of high mechanical strength as nylon. It is known that flexibility of fishing net plays an important role in enhancing fishery performance. In this study, new biodegradable polyester to have flexibility was developed through copolymerization reaction. To increase the flexibility, long chain monomer such as adipic acid was introduced in the main chain, the composition of monomers was strictly controlled, and conditions of reaction were newly established. The newly designed copolyester exhibited flexible property same as nylon and maintained high mechanical strength like biodegradable polyesters. In the near future, it can be strongly expected that the new flexible and biodegradable copolyester would be replaced to nylon in the various industrial fields including fishing gears.

Keywords: Biodegradable co-polyester; PBSAT; flexibility; blended or synthesized resin; fishing gear