Synthesis and characterization of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) catalyzed by rare earth stearates

Abstract

Rare earth (Nd, Y, La, Dy) stearates have been synthesized and used as single component catalysts for the polycondensation of dimethyl terephthalate, adipic acid and 1,4-butanediol for the first time preparing biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with high molecular weight. The microstructures of PBAT were characterized by 1H NMR spectra. The PBAT exhibits good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength (ca. 20 MPa) and long break elongation (>700%). © 2007 SIOC, CAS, & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.