Using a Self-Assemblable Nucleating Agent To Tailor Crystallization Behavior, Crystal Morphology, Polymorphic Crystalline Structure, and Biodegradability of Poly(1,4-butylene adipate)

Abstract

In this work, the decamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide (DMC-DBH) is attempted as a nucleating agent (NA) to introduce into the poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) matrix. Effects of the DMC-DBH on the PBA, including the crystallization kinetics, crystal morphology, polymorphic crystalline structure, and biodegradation behaviors, are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallization temperature and crystallization rate of the PBA increase upon incorporation of the DMC-DBH. This composite is characterized by a distinctive shish-kebab structure. The DMC-DBH is favorable for formation of the PBA α-crystal at markedly lower melting-crystallization temperature (Tc), compared to the neat PBA and accelerated β-to-α phase transition. The biodegradation rate of the PBA decreased upon addition of the DMC-DBH. The mechanisms on...