Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable random copolyester, poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene isophthalate) PBSI was synthesised by a two step direct melt polycondensation method. This copolyester was characterised by solubility, viscosity measurements, IR, 1 H NMR, 13C NMR and thermal studies. But, to be a real alternative to classical synthetic polymers and find applications, biodegradable polymer properties have to be enhanced. Synthesis of nano–biocomposites, which are obtained by incorporation of nanofillers into a biomatrix, is an interesting way to achieve the polymers with characteristic property. In present study, the nano- biocomposites were synthesised by dispersing different weight percentage (1, 3 and 5 %) of organo modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) into the biodegradable polyester matrix by solvent intercalation method. The structural characterisation and thermal analysis have been carried out to understand better the relationship between the nanofillers structuring and the properties of nano-biocomposites. The X-ray diffraction patterns obtained for the systems confirmed the nanodispersion of OMMT-clay in the polyester networks. The results show that the clay incorporation and the obtained structures enhanced the thermal properties of PBSI, and thus may increase the applicability of this biodegradable polymer in different fields.

Keywords: Nano- biocomposites, biodegradable, montmorillonite clay, aliphatic-aromatic random copolyesters.