Toward Biobased, Biodegradable, and Smart Barrier Packaging Material: Modification of Poly(Neopentyl Glycol 2,5-Furandicarboxylate) with Succinic Acid

A series of biobased poly(neopentyl glycol succinate/furandicarboxylate) (PNSF) copolyesters were synthesized via a transesterification and melt polycondensation process. The 1H NMR and analysis using the Fox equation suggested the formation of random microstructures. PNSFs displayed poor crystallization capability with a slow crystallization rate. The copolymerization destroyed the spherulite morphology of the homopolyester PNF, and the melting temperature (Tm) also decreased with decreasing neopentyl glycol furandicarboxylate content (mNF). Rheological tests revealed the slight increase in the free volume with the addition of succinic acid. The crystallization induced by thermal annealing enhanced the elastic modulus and tensile strength. PNSF50–PNSF70 possessed modulus and strength greater than 1000 and 27 MPa, respectively, exceeding those of most biodegradable packaging materials. On the other hand, PNSF80 and PNSF90 possessed high modulus of 3.0 GPa and strength of 100 MPa, which were comparable to ...