Processability and properties of aliphatic polyesters, 'BIONOLLE', synthesized by polycondensation reaction

Biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, trademarked 'BIONOLLE', such as polybutylene succinate (#1000 series), polybutylene succinate adipate copolymer (#3000 series) and polyethylene succinate (tentatively #6000 series) with high molecular weights ranging from several tens of thousands to several hundreds of thousands were invented in 1990 and produced successfully through polycondensation reaction of glycols with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and others. A pilot plant with a capacity of 10 tons/year was built in 1991, and a semi-commercial plant with a capacity of 3000 tons/year was constructed in 1993. BIONOLLE is a white crystalline thermoplastic, has melting points ranging about 90 similar to 120 degrees C, glass transition temperatures ranging about -45 similar to-10 degrees C and density about 1.25 g/cm(3). BIONOLLE has excellent processability, so it can be processed on conventional equipment (commonly used in processing polyolefins) at temperature of 160 similar to 200 degrees C into various molded products such as injected, extruded and blown ones. A new grade of BIONOLLE (coded #1900 series), which has a long chain branch (LCB), high melt tension and high recrystallization rate, has been developed, to enable stretched blown bottles and highly expanded foams to be made easily (Fujimaki, T., SEN'I GAKKAISHI, 1996, 52(8), 320). (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.