A predictive model and experimental validation for the compatibility of poly(xylitol succinate) with common solvents

Abstract

Poly(xylitol succinate) was synthesized from xylitol and succinic acid with a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:3. The produced materials were purified and characterized by infrared and mass spectrometry. Theoretical calculations of the Hansen solubility parameters were performed for two proposed models, liquid and solid polymers by using the group contribution methods of Hoftyzer-van Krevelen. While liquid and solid polymers were compatible with polar solvents, such as water, ethanol and methanol, non-polar solvents showed poor compatibility with polymers. Experimental solubility tests were conducted, and the results were consistent with the predicted compatibility. This methodology enables not only the prediction of polymeric material solubility, but also facilitates the selection of optimum solvents for purification processes, which is a critical step prior to industrial applications.