Ecoflex Polymer and Effect of Monomer Composition
This page discusses the synthesis of Ecoflex, a biodegradable polymer used in food packaging, and how changing monomer composition affects polymer properties.
Ecoflex Synthesis:
Monomers:
(A) Adipic acid (hexanedioic acid): HOOC-(CH2)4-COOH
(B) Terephthalic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid): HOOC-C6H4-COOH
(C) 1,4-butanediol: HO-(CH2)4-OH
The polymerization occurs through polycondensation, forming ester linkages between the acid and alcohol groups, releasing water molecules.
Effect of Monomer Composition:
Replacing some 1,4-butanediol with glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) in the reaction with adipic acid increases crosslinking in the resulting polymer. This change affects the mechanical and thermal properties:
- Higher melting point due to increased crosslinking
- Improved mechanical strength and stability
- Reduced flexibility
- Enhanced heat resistance
Vocabulary: Duroplaste verhalten bei erwärmung - The behavior of thermosets when heated, typically characterized by maintaining their shape due to crosslinking.
Example: Increasing the glycerol content in the Ecoflex formulation would create a more rigid, heat-resistant plastic suitable for durable food containers.
Highlight: The mechanical properties and thermal behavior of polymers can be fine-tuned by adjusting the ratio of difunctional to trifunctional monomers in the polymerization reaction.