Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Sebacate-Co-terephthalate)

In this study, poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT) was successfully synthesized using various ratios of sebacic acid (Se) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). The synthesized PBSeT showed a high molecular weight (Mw, 88,700–154,900 g/mol) and good elastomeric properties. In particular, the PBSeT64 (6:4 sebacic acid/dimethyl terephthalate mole ratio) sample showed an elongation at break value of over 1600%. However, further increasing the DMT content decreased the elongation properties but increased the tensile strength due to the inherent strength of the aromatic unit. The melting point and crystallization temperature were difficult to observe in PBSeT64, indicating that an amorphous copolyester was formed at this mole ratio. Interestingly, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) curves was shown in the cases of PBSeT46 and PBSeT64, neither the crystal peaks of PBSe nor those of po…