Enrico Binassi

Synthesis and radiocarbon evidence of terephthalate polyesters completely prepared from renewable resources

Monomers used for the synthesis of terephthalate polyesters have been prepared starting from renewable resources. In particular, dimethyl terephthalate was synthesised starting from bio-limonene while butanediol was synthesised starting from bio-succinic acid. Using these bio-monomers it was possible to synthesise polyesters with the same chemical structure and molecular weight of commercially available polymers. Moreover, the polymers obtained from bio-based monomers, present the same thermal properties of the polyesters obtained using petrol-derived monomers. A poly(butylene terephthalate) completely obtained from renewable resources was also synthesised. The radiocarbon and isotope mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed that this polyester contains 94 ± 3% of bio-based material.

Improved dispersion of multi-wall carbon nanotubes in poly(butylene terephthalate) using benzimidazolium surfactants

Abstract Multi-wall carbon nanotubes/poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites have been prepared by in-situ polymerization. Benzimidazolium tetrafluoroborate salts improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix due to the formation of “π-cation” interactions of the imidazolium salt with the surface of the carbon nanotubes. An improved dispersion of the nanotubes in butanediol was also observed using the benzimidazolium salt. The presence of the compatibilization agent gives rise to improved thermo-mechanical properties and electrical conductivity for the nanocomposite. The presence of the nanotubes also consistently increases the thermal stability and enhances the nucleation process on PBT crystallization.