Cellulose grafted aliphatic polyesters: Synthesis, characterization and biodegradation under controlled conditions in a laboratory test system

Abstract

Novel biodegradable cellulose derivatives were synthesized using ‘grafting onto’ process. The synthesis method involves three-steps using 1, 6-hexamethylene diisocyanate as a coupling agent. This method improves the adhesion with cellulose fibers and was conducted using simple experimental techniques. In the first stage, the poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) and poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA) polyesters were synthesized by direct polycondensation reactions. Secondly, these polyesters were grafted onto cellulose surface using a simple addition reaction between the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose and the isocyanate groups existing at the ends of the polyester chains (precursors). The structure and physical properties of the prepared polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR and TGA/DTG analysis. This simple and efficient strategy of synthesizing cellulose grafted aliphatic polyesters will provide new opportunities to fabricate many other biodegradable polymer composites.