Enhanced crystallization rate of bio-based poly(butylene succinate-co-propylene succinate) copolymers motivated by glycerol

Isothermal crystallization kinetics are performed in poly(butylene succinate-co-propylene succinate) (PBSPS) in a BS/PS ratio of 10/0(PBS) to 7/3 with 0 and 0.02 mol% glycerol, indicating PBSPS copolymers are 3D growths initiated by heterogeneous nucleation. Crystallization growth rates of BS/PS = 10/0(PBS) to 7/3 with 0.02 mol% glycerol are faster than with 0 mol% glycerol, for a given temperature range. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics are performed to clarify the effects of different glycerol proportions for BS/PS = 7/3. The 0.01 mol% glycerol is used to form a nucleation site, in which the kinetic energy of the molecular chain can be driven to increase the packing ability. When glycerol is increased to 0.02 mol%, the restriction of the glycerol on the movement of the molecular chain becomes more extensive to decrease the relative crystallinity. Hence, a small amount of glycerol content can improve the relative crystallinity and crystallization rate of PBSPS copolymer.