Biodegradable polyester materials containing gallates

Abstract

Gallates are widely used as antioxidants in the food and cosmetics industries. The purpose of the study was to obtain pro-ecological materials based on biodegradable polyesters, such as polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and gallates. Gallates (ethyl, propyl, octyl, and lauryl) have not been used so far in biodegradable polymers as stabilizers and indicators of aging. This manuscript examines the properties of gallates such as antioxidant capacity and thermal stability. This paper also presents the following analyses of polymer materials: specific migration of gallates from polymers, SEM microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction, mechanical properties, surface free energy, and determination of change of color after controlled UV exposure, thermooxidation, and weathering. All gallates showed strong antioxidant properties and good thermal stability. Due to these properties, in particular their high oxidation temperature, gallates can be successfully used as polyester stabilizers. Biodegradable polyesters containing gallates can be an environmentally friendly alternative to petrochemical packaging materials.