Thermal degradation kinetics of poly(propylene succinate) prepared with the use of natural origin monomers

Abstract

Linear bio-based polyester polyols were prepared with the use of succinic acid and 1,3-propanediol (both with natural origin). Tetraisopropyl orthotitanate (TPT) was used as a catalyst. In order to determine the effect of various synthesis temperature conditions on the thermal degradation kinetics, nine sequences of temperature conditions were used during two-step polycondensation reaction. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted with the use of DSC-TG/QMS method (differential scanning calorimetry-coupled with thermogravimetry and quadrupole mass spectrometry). The results indicated high thermal stability of the obtained materials. They undergo a one-step thermal decomposition with the temperature of maximum rate of weight loss at ca. 405 °C. Moreover, the thermal degradation kinetics was determined with the use of Ozawa, Flynn and Wall as well as Kissinger methods. The highest thermal degradation activation energy was equal to 196.4 kJ/mol.