Poly Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate Description:

Poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) is a well-known aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable random copolyester. PBAT can be synthesized by polycondensation reactions in the melt phase. However, the synthesis process is very complex as PBAT requires high esterification temperatures, as well as vacuum to achieve molecular weights suitable for different grades.

Poly Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate Instruction:

In addition, the synthesis process is associated with various side reactions such as depolymerization, color of the polymer, and formation of tetrahydrofuran. This short literature review deals with the development of various methods for the synthesis. Different grades of synthesis using chain extenders, branching agents, chemical functionalization and in situ incorporation of nanocomposites are also investigated.

PBAT is known as polybutylene glycol butyrate, is a semi-aromatic, biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester that can be easily molded. PBAT is a random copolymerization of 1,4-butanediol, adipic acid, and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) monomers. PBAT has many attractive properties similar to those of Hpolyethylene. For example, PBAT has a relatively high elongation at break (30-40%), but only moderate tensile strength and low hardness.

The properties of PBAT can be adjusted by changing the ratio of his monomer units. They are typically similar to high-density or low-density polyethylene and can therefore be used for similar applications in food packaging and agricultural films. In addition, PBAT is fully biodegradable (compostable) and can be processed on conventional blown film equipment used for polyethylene. PBAT has also been investigated as a toughening agent for PLA.

PBAT Preparation:

PBAT is synthesized from polymers of 1,4-butanediol and adipic acid and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with 1,4-butanediol.

Adipic acid and 1,4-butanediol are polymerized to form their polyesters (plus water.) DMT and 1,4-butanediol are also reacted to form their polyesters (plus methanol). This polyester was then added to the butenedioic acid polyester by using titanium tetrabutoxide (TBOT) as an esterification catalyst,  the excess of 1,4-butanediol affected the chain length. The result was a copolymer of the two polymers previously prepared.