Abstract
Melt or solution polycondensation of cyclic anhydrides (succinic, methylsuccinic, maleic, and citraconic) or fumaric acid with ethylene glycol was conducted under various conditions. The resulting unsaturated polyesters were found to have various ratios of different two configurations at the C=C double bond from their 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The biodegradability of these polyester samples was evaluated from enzymatic degradation tests with Rizopous delemar lipase, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values in an activated sludge. Introducing methyl group on the polymer chain tends to reduce its biodegradability. In comparison with saturated polyesters, efficient biodegradation was prevented by unsaturated monomer units, particularly by Z-configuration of C=C double bond.
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Takenouchi, S., Takasu, A., Inai, Y. et al. Effects of Geometric Structure in Unsaturated Aliphatic Polyesters on Their Biodegradability. Polym J 33, 746–753 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1295/polymj.33.746
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1295/polymj.33.746