Synthesis, characterization and properties of poly(butylene succinate) modified with rosin maleopimaric acid anhydride

Huge hydrogenated phenanthrenc ring segments were introduced into the main chain of poly(butylene succinate) by polymerization of succinic acid (SA), 1,4-butanediol (BD) and rosin maleopimaric acid anhydride (RMA), which was obtained from maleic rosin. The chemical structure and composition of the copolyesters were determined with the aid of H-1-NMR, FTIR and elemental analysis. The thermal properties, crystallization behaviour and mechanical properties of the copolyester were then investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), polarized light microscopy (PLM) and mechanical testing. With increasing content of hydrogenated phenanthrene ring segments, the melting temperature, the crystallization temperature and the relative degree of crystallinity decreased gradually, but the elongation at break and the notched impact strength of poly(butylene succinate) were enhanced without a significant deterioration of tensile strength. (C) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.