Zinc-Catalysed Depolymerization of Poly(Butylene Succinate) and Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) and Enhanced Degradation of Catalyst-Polymer Composite Films.

ABSTRACT: The depolymerization of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with a highly active zinc catalyst was investigated. The methanolysis of PBS in solution was optimised by varying temperature, catalyst loading, and methanol equivalents, giving a maximum conversion of 98% after 48 h with a dimethyl succinate yield of 62%. Solvent-free methanolysis of PBS and PBAT was shown to reach high conversion after 1 h, although increased temperature was required (100-130°C). When the catalyst was embedded into thin films of PBS and PBAT, a significant loss of mass and a reduction in molecular weight was observed after incubation at 50°C in methanol, comparing favorably with samples of pure polymer. Some increase in degradation activity was also observed in deion

SUBMITTER: Burgevin F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12767557 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature