Bio-Based Poly(Butylene succinate-co-dodecylene succinate) Derived from 1,12-Dodecanediol: Synthesis and Characterization

Bio-based poly(butylene succinate-co-dodecylene succinate) (PBDSs) were successfully synthesized by adjusting the content of 1,12-dodecanediol (DD) using melt polycondensation method. The chemical structure, thermal behavior, crystallization properties, mechanical properties, and rheological properties were characterized. FTIR, 1  H NMR, and 13  C NMR showed the successful synthesis of polymers with the expected structure. The synthesized polymers have high number-average molecular weight (32500–64200 g/mol). The copolyesters were random copolymers. The relationship between melting temperatures and composition was basically V-shaped distribution, which is a typical characteristic of isodimorphism behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal stability of the synthesized copolyesters was good, with no significant weight loss until 320 °C. The synthesized polymers were all semi-crystalline polymers. When the amount of dodecylene succinate unit in the product is 80%, the copolyester has good mechanical properties (tensile strength: 34.5 MPa, elongation at break: 3489%) and processing properties, so it may be more suitable for making films.