Sustainable macromolecular antioxidants from eugenol with synergistically enhanced storage stability for active PVA packaging

A series of linear macromolecular antioxidants (MAOs) with main-chain phenol or catechol groups were successfully prepared using eugenol as a renewable resource via thiol-ene polymerization. 1 H NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) were utilized to confirm their molecular structures and molecular weights . The DPPH assay was utilized to study their antioxidation capability and room temperature storage stability. Coexisting of 1,2-diol moieties was found to contribute to the long-term storage stability of the catechol type MAOs. Moreover, composite films of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a methanol soluble MAOs were prepared through solution cast, and exhibited enhanced mechanical strength and toughness. The composite films were also endowed with antioxidation properties, potentially applicable as active packaging materials.