Poly(ethylene furanoate- co -ethylene terephthalate) biobased copolymers: Synthesis, thermal properties and cocrystallization behavior

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(ethylene furanoate)/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Block Copolymers

Biobased poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) block copolymers have been synthesized using ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in the presence of PEF in different mass ratios. An increase in intrinsic viscosity is observed for the block copolymers with higher ε-CL content due to the extension of their macromolecular chain. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) was employed to understand the composition and structure of the produced block copolymers. The MS analysis helped to confirm the formation of PEF-PCL copolymers in all cases. Furthermore, tandem mass spectrometry experiments were performed to analyze the intrinsic fragmentation mechanism of neat PEF and PCL (both linear and cyclic) and confirm the block structure and end-groups. Finally, nuclear magnetic resonance results confirmed the composition and microstructure of the block copolymers. The synthesized PEF-PCL block copolymers can be used as a replacement for petroleum derived plastics, especially in the field of food packaging.

Crystallization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate): A Review

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a thermoplastic polyester with excellent thermal and mechanical properties, widely used in a variety of industrial fields. It is a semicrystalline polymer, and most of the industrial success of PET derives from its easily tunable crystallization kinetics, which allow users to produce the polymer with a high crystal fraction for applications that demand high thermomechanical resistance and barrier properties, or a fully amorphous polymer when high transparency of the product is needed. The main properties of the polymer are presented and discussed in this contribution, together with the literature data on the crystal structure and morphology of PET. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of its crystallization kinetics, including both primary crystal nucleation and crystal growth, as well as secondary crystallization. The effect of molar mass, catalyst residues, chain composition, and thermo-mechanical treatments on the crystallization kinetics, structure, and morphology of PET are also reviewed in this contribution.

Upcycling of Agricultural Waste Stream to High-Molecular-Weight Bio-based Poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate)

Orange peel and sugar beet pulp contain large quantities of pectin, which can be turned via galactaric acid into furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and its esters. In this work, we show the polymerisation of these FDCA esters into high-molecular-weight, 70-100 kg/mol, poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PEF). PEF is an emerging bio-based alternative for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), widely used in for example packaging applications. Closing the loop, we also demonstrated and confirmed that PEF can be hydrolysed by enzymes, which are known to hydrolyse PET, back into FDCA for convenient recycling and recovery of monomers.

Melting Behaviors of Bio-Based Poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) Co Polymers Related to Their Crystal Morphology

In this experiment, a series of poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPFEG) copolymers with different ratios were synthesized using melt polycondensation of dimethylfuran-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFD), 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The effect of PEG content on the crystallization behavior of the poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PPF) copolymers was investigated. For PPF, the nucleation density of the β-crystals was higher than that of α-crystals. As Tc increases, the β crystals are suppressed more, but at Tc = 140 °C, the bulk of PPF has already been converted to α crystals, which crystallize faster at higher nucleation densities, resulting in a difference in polymer properties. For this case, we chose to add a soft segment material, PEG, which led to an early multi-melt crystallization behavior of the PPF. The addition of PEG led to a decrease in the crystallization temperature of PPF, as well as a decrease in the cold crystallization peak of PPF. From the crystalline morphology, it can be seen that the addition of PEG caused the transformation of the PPF crystalline form to occur earlier. From the crystalline morphology of PPF at 155 °C, it can be observed that the ring-banded spherical crystals of the PPF appear slowly with increasing time. With the addition of PEG, spherical crystals of the ring band appeared earlier, and even appeared first, and then disappeared slowly.

Toughening Effect of 2,5-Furandicaboxylate Polyesters on Polylactide-Based Renewable Fibers

This work presents the successful preparation and characterization of polylactide/poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PLA/PPF) and polylactide/poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PLA/PBF) blends in form of bulk and fiber samples and investigates the influence of poly(alkylene furanoate) (PAF) concentration (0 to 20 wt%) and compatibilization on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Both blend types, although immiscible, are successfully compatibilized by Joncryl (J), which improves the interfacial adhesion and reduces the size of PPF and PBF domains. Mechanical tests on bulk samples show that only PBF is able to effectively toughen PLA, as PLA/PBF blends with 5-10 wt% PBF showed a distinct yield point, remarkable necking propagation, and increased strain at break (up to 55%), while PPF did not show significant plasticizing effects. The toughening ability of PBF is attributed to its lower glass transition temperature and greater toughness than PPF. For fiber samples, increasing the PPF and PBF amount improves the elastic modulus and mechanical strength, particularly for PBF-containing fibers collected at higher take-up speeds. Remarkably, in fiber samples, plasticizing effects are observed for both PPF and PBF, with significantly higher strain at break values compared to neat PLA (up to 455%), likely due to a further microstructural homogenization, enhanced compatibility, and load transfer between PLA and PAF phases following the fiber spinning process. SEM analysis confirms the deformation of PPF domains, which is probably due to a "plastic-rubber" transition during tensile testing. The orientation and possible crystallization of PPF and PBF domains contribute to increased tensile strength and elastic modulus. This work showcases the potential of PPF and PBF in tailoring the thermo-mechanical properties of PLA in both bulk and fiber forms, expanding their applications in the packaging and textile industry.

Recent advances in the development of green furan ring-containing polymeric materials based on renewable plant biomass

Fossil resources are rapidly depleting, forcing researchers in various fields of chemistry and materials science to switch to the use of renewable sources and the development of corresponding technologies. In this regard, the field of sustainable materials science is experiencing an extraordinary surge of interest in recent times due to the significant advances made in the development of new polymers with desired and controllable properties. This review summarizes important scientific reports in recent times dedicated to the synthesis, construction and computational studies of novel sustainable polymeric materials containing unchanged (pseudo)aromatic furan cores in their structure. Linear polymers for thermoplastics, branched polymers for thermosets and other crosslinked materials are emerging materials to highlight. Various polymer blends and composites based on sustainable polyfurans are also considered as pathways to achieve high-value-added products.

Compatibilization of Polylactide/Poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PLA/PEF) Blends for Sustainable and Bioderived Packaging

Despite the advantages of polylactide (PLA), its inadequate UV-shielding and gas-barrier properties undermine its wide application as a flexible packaging film for perishable items. These issues are addressed in this work by investigating the properties of melt-mixed, fully bioderived blends of polylactide (PLA) and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), as a function of the PEF weight fraction (1–30 wt %) and the amount of the commercial compatibilizer/chain extender Joncryl ADR 4468 (J, 0.25–1 phr). J mitigates the immiscibility of the two polymer phases by decreasing and homogenizing the PEF domain size; for the blend containing 10 wt % of PEF, the PEF domain size drops from 0.67 ± 0.46 µm of the uncompatibilized blend to 0.26 ± 0.14 with 1 phr of J. Moreover, the increase in the complex viscosity of PLA and PLA/PEF blends with the J content evidences the effectiveness of J as a chain extender. This dual positive contribution of J is reflected in the mechanical properties of PLA/PEF blends. Whereas the uncompatibilized blend with 10 wt % of PEF shows lower mechanical performance than neat PLA, all the compatibilized blends show higher tensile strength and strain at break, while retaining their high elastic moduli. The effects of PEF on the UV- and oxygen-barrier properties of PLA are also remarkable. Adding only 1 wt % of PEF makes the blend an excellent barrier for UV rays, with the transmittance at 320 nm dropping from 52.8% of neat PLA to 0.4% of the sample with 1 wt % PEF, while keeping good transparency in the visible region. PEF is also responsible for a sensible decrease in the oxygen transmission rate, which decreases from 189 cc/m²·day for neat PLA to 144 cc/m²·day with only 1 wt % of PEF. This work emphasizes the synergistic effects of PEF and J in enhancing the thermal, mechanical, UV-shielding, and gas-barrier properties of PLA, which results in bioderived blends that are very promising for packaging applications.

Melt polycondensation of 2,5-tetrahydrofurandimethanol with various dicarboxylic acids towards a variety of biobased polyesters

The effects of THFDM's structure on its reactivity, polymer molecular chain energy and properties were systematically studied.

The effect of isothermal crystallization on mechanical properties of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)

The effects of isothermal crystallization temperature/time on mechanical properties of bio-based polyester poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) were investigated. The intrinsic viscosity, crystallization properties, thermal properties, and microstructure of PEF were characterized using ubbelohde viscometer, X-ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The PEF sample isothermal crystallized at various temperatures for various times was denoted as PEF-T-t. The results showed that the isothermal crystallization temperature affected the mechanical properties of PEF-T-30 by simultaneously affecting its crystallization properties and intrinsic viscosity. The isothermal crystallization time only affected the crystallization properties of PEF-110-t. The crystallinity of PEF-110-40 was 17.1%. With small crystal size, poor regularity, and α′-crystal, PEF-110-40 can absorb the energy generated in the tensile process to the maximum extent. Therefore, the best mechanical properties can be obtained for PEF-110-40 with the tensile strength of 43.55 MPa, the tensile modulus of 1,296 MPa, and the elongation at a break of 13.36%.

Modification of banana starch (Musa paradisiaca L.) with polyethylene terephthalate: Virgin and bottle waste

Chemical modification of banana starch (Musa paradisiaca L.) with the degradation products of virgin and bottle waste of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in situ. The modified starch was characterized by FTIR and NMR, which allowed proposing three chemical structures. SEM micrographs showed that the morphology of the modified starch granule is directly related with mass ratio of Starch/PET and type of PET used in the reaction. The crystallinity of the modified starch decreased up to 92.6% and 62.5% using bottle waste and virgin PET, respectively, according to XRD diffractograms. TGA analysis showed that the starch degradation temperature decreased by 12 °C. Modified starch films were elaborate and its electrical conductivity was found to be 2.9 times compared to that of native starch. The starch/PET film presented the highest value in the mechanical property of elongation at break compared to the starch-only film. The modified starch film was degraded above 80% by aqueous hydrolysis.

Structural Evolution of Polyglycolide and Poly(glycolide-co-lactide) Fibers during the Heat-Setting Process

PGA and P(GA-co-LA) fibers applied as surgical sutures strongly depend on their microstructure. The structural evolution in both the relaxed and tensioned states during heat-setting after hot stretching, which included heating and postannealing, was investigated using in situ WAXD/SAXS and DSC techniques. We found that the fibers of both PGA and P(GA-co-LA) with 8% LA content under the relaxed state were more advantageous than the fibers under the tensioned state indicated by the larger crystallite sizes and unit cell parameters and the higher crystallinity. The mechanical properties of the samples increased after heat-setting. Heat-setting at 120 °C was more suitable for promoting the fiber properties, which can be ascribed to crystal formation and perfection. During the heating, the thermal expansion increased the unit cell parameters and the long period of PGA linearly, whereas the unit cell parameters of P(GA-co-LA) had an obvious turning point at 60-80 °C, and the long period showed a sudden decline in the temperature range of 60-80 °C, which was mainly the result of the discharge of LA units. The unit cell parameters and the long period of both PGA and P(GA-co-LA) decreased during the isotherm process due to crystal perfection. However, the P(GA-co-LA) decrease was more prominent than PGA because of the inclusion of LA monomers in the crystal structure of GAs.

Preparation and properties of an aromatic polyamide fibre derived from a bio-based furan acid chloride

A high-molecular-weight aromatic polyamide resin incorporating furan-rings (f-resin) was prepared by low-temperature solution polycondensation of bio-based 2,5-furandiformyl chloride and 3,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Further, an aromatic polyamide fibre containing furan-rings (f-fibre) was obtained from the fresin by dry-jet wet spinning, and its structure and properties were investigated. The prepared f-resin showed good solubility and possessed good spinnability in solution. The mechanical, heat-resistance, and flame-retardant properties of the f-fibre were found to be excellent – comparable to or exceeding those of meta-aramid fibre (m-fibre). In addition, the furan acid chloride monomer is bio-based and is derived from abundant resources, unlike petroleum-based monomers. Therefore, f-fibre has good potential and broad application prospects as an environment-friendly and sustainable high-performance material.

A New Era in Engineering Plastics: Compatibility and Perspectives of Sustainable Alipharomatic Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) Blends

The industrialisation of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) for total replacement of poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the polyester market is under question. Preparation of high-performing polymer blends is a well-established strategy for tuning the properties of certain homopolymers and create tailor-made materials to meet the demands for a number of applications. In this work, the structure, thermal properties and the miscibility of a series of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PET/PEF) blends have been studied. A number of thermal treatments were followed in order to examine the thermal transitions, their dynamic state and the miscibility characteristics for each blend composition. Based on their glass transition temperatures and melting behaviour the PET/PEF blends are miscible at high and low poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) contents, while partial miscibility was observed at intermediate compositions. The multiple melting was studied and their melting point depression was analysed with the Flory-Huggins theory. In an attempt to further improve miscibility, reactive blending was also investigated.

Poly(Ethylene Furanoate) along Its Life-Cycle from a Polycondensation Approach to High-Performance Yarn and Its Recyclate

We report on the pilot scale synthesis and melt spinning of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), a promising bio-based fiber polymer that can heave mechanical properties in the range of commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers. Catalyst optimization and solid state polycondensation (SSP) allowed for intrinsic viscosities of PEF of up to 0.85 dL·g-1. Melt-spun multifilament yarns reached a tensile strength of up to 65 cN·tex-1 with an elongation of 6% and a modulus of 1370 cN·tex-1. The crystallization behavior of PEF was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and XRD after each process step, i.e., after polymerization, SSP, melt spinning, drawing, and recycling. After SSP, the previously amorphous polymer showed a crystallinity of 47%, which was in accordance with literature. The corresponding XRD diffractograms showed signals attributable to α-PEF. Additional, clearly assignable signals at 2θ > 30° are discussed. A completely amorphous structure was observed by XRD for as-spun yarns, while a crystalline phase was detected on drawn yarns; however, it was less pronounced than for the granules and independent of the winding speed.

Improved polymerization and depolymerization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate) by co-polymerization with 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), known for its clarity, food safety, toughness, and barrier properties, is a preferred polymer for rigid packaging applications. PET is also one of the most recycled polymers worldwide. In light of climate change, significant efforts are underway to improve the carbon footprint of PET by synthesizing it from bio-based feedstocks. Often times, specific applications demand PET to be copolymerized with other monomers. This work focuses on copolymerization of PET with a bio-based co-monomer, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) to produce the copolyester (PETF). We report the multifunction of FDCA to influence the esterification reaction kinetics and the depolymerization kinetics (via alkaline hydrolysis) of the copolyester PETF. NMR spectroscopy and titrimetric studies revealed that copolymerization of PET with different levels of FDCA improved the esterification reaction kinetics by enhancing the solubility of monomers. During the alkaline hydrolysis, the presence of FDCA units in the backbone almost doubled the PET conversion and monomer yield. Based on these findings, it is demonstrated that the FDCA facilitates the esterification, as well as depolymerization of PET, and potentially enables reduction of reaction temperatures or shortened reaction times to improve the carbon footprint of the PET synthesis and depolymerization process.

Incorporation of the bio-based 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) in poly(ethylene terephthalate) as a copolymer (PETF) improves esterification and depolymerization kinetics due to higher solubility and acidity of FDCA in the reaction media.

Tuning the Properties of Furandicarboxylic Acid-Based Polyesters with Copolymerization: A Review

Polyesters based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) are a new class of biobased polymers with enormous interest, both from a scientific and industrial perspective. The commercialization of these polymers is imminent as the pressure for a sustainable economy grows, and extensive worldwide research currently takes place on developing cost-competitive, renewable plastics. The most prevalent method for imparting these polymers with new properties is copolymerization, as many studies have been published over the last few years. This present review aims to summarize the trends in the synthesis of FDCA-based copolymers and to investigate the effectiveness of this approach in transforming them to a more versatile class of materials that could potentially be appropriate for a number of high-end and conventional applications.

Sustainable Plastics from Biomass: Blends of Polyesters Based on 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid

Intending to expand the thermo-physical properties of bio-based polymers, furan-based thermoplastic polyesters were synthesized following the melt polycondensation method. The resulting polymers, namely, poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF), poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PBF) and poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PCHDMF) are used in blends together with various polymers of industrial importance, including poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and polycarbonate (PC). The blends are studied concerning their miscibility, crystallization and solid-state characteristics by using wide-angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). PEF blends show in general dual glass transitions in the DSC heating traces for the melt quenched samples. Only PPF-PEF blends show a single glass transition and a single melt phase in PLM. PPF forms immiscible blends except with PEF and PBF. PBF forms miscible blends with PCHDMF and PPF, whereas all other blends show dual glass transitions in DSC and phase separation in PLM. PCHDMF-PEF and PEN-PEF blends show two glass transition temperatures, but they shift to intermediate temperature values depending on the composition, indicating some partial miscibility of the polymer pairs.

Synthesis, Thermal Properties and Decomposition Mechanism of Poly(Ethylene Vanillate) Polyester

Plastics are perceived as modern and versatile materials, but their use is linked to numerous environmental issues as their production is based on finite raw materials (petroleum or natural gas). Additionally, their low biodegradability results in the accumulation of microplastics. As a result, there is extensive interest in the production of new, environmentally friendly, bio-based and biodegradable polymers. In this context, poly(ethylene vanillate) (PEV) has a great potential as a potentially bio-based alternative to poly(ethylene terephthalate); however, it has not yet been extensively studied. In the present work, the preparation of PEV is reported. The enthalpy and the entropy of fusion of the pure crystalline PEV have been estimated for the first time. Additionally, the equilibrium melting temperature has also been calculated. Furthermore, the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behavior are reported in detail, and new insights on the thermal stability and degradation mechanism of PEV are given.

Thermal Decomposition Kinetics and Mechanism of In-Situ Prepared Bio-based Poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate)/Graphene Nanocomposites

Bio-based polyesters are a new class of materials that are expected to replace their fossil-based homologues in the near future. In this work, poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF) nanocomposites with graphene nanoplatelets were prepared via the in-situ melt polycondensation method. The chemical structure of the resulting polymers was confirmed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stability, decomposition kinetics and the decomposition mechanism of the PPF nanocomposites were studied in detail. According to thermogravimetric analysis results, graphene nanoplatelets did nοt affect the thermal stability of PPF at levels of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 wt.%, but caused a slight increase in the activation energy values. Pyrolysis combined with gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy revealed that the decomposition mechanism of the polymer was not altered by the presence of graphene nanoplatelets but the extent of secondary homolytic degradation reactions was increased.

Exploring Next-Generation Engineering Bioplastics: Poly(alkylene furanoate)/Poly(alkylene terephthalate) (PAF/PAT) Blends

Polymers from renewable resources and especially strong engineering partially aromatic biobased polyesters are of special importance for the evolution of bioeconomy. The fabrication of polymer blends is a creative method for the production of tailor-made materials for advanced applications that are able to combine functionalities from both components. In this study, poly(alkylene furanoate)/poly(alkylene terephthalate) blends with different compositions were prepared by solution blending in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and chloroform. Three different types of blends were initially prepared, namely, poly(ethylene furanoate)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PEF/PET), poly(propylene furanoate)/poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPF/PPT), and poly(1,4-cyclohenedimethylene furanoate)/poly(1,4-cycloxehane terephthalate) (PCHDMF/PCHDMT). These blends' miscibility characteristics were evaluated by examining the glass transition temperature of each blend. Moreover, reactive blending was utilized for the enhancement of miscibility and dynamic homogeneity and the formation of copolymers through transesterification reactions at high temperatures. PEF⁻PET and PPF⁻PPT blends formed a copolymer at relatively low reactive blending times. Finally, poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene furanoate) (PETF) random copolymers were successfully introduced as compatibilizers for the PEF/PET immiscible blends, which resulted in enhanced miscibility.

One-Pot FDCA Diester Synthesis from Mucic Acid and Their Solvent-Free Regioselective Polytransesterification for Production of Glycerol-Based Furanic Polyesters

A one pot-two step procedure for the synthesis of diethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DEFDC) starting from mucic acid without isolation of the intermediate furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was studied. Then, the production of three different kinds of furan-based polyesters— polyethylene-2,5-furan dicarboxylate (PEF), polyhydropropyl-2,5-furan dicarboxylate(PHPF) and polydiglycerol-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PDGF)—was realized through a Co(Ac)₂·4H₂O catalyzed polytransesterification performed at 160 °C between DEFDC and a defined diol furan-based prepolymer or pure diglycerol. In parallel to polymerization process, an unattended regioselective 1-OH acylation of glycerol by direct microwave-heated FDCA diester transesterification led to the formation of a symmetric prepolymer ready for further polymerization and clearly identified by 2D NMR sequences. Furthermore, the synthesis of a more soluble and hydrophilic diglycerol-based furanic polyester was also achieved. The resulting biobased polymers were characterized by NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA and XRD. The morphologies of the resulted polymers were observed by FE-SEM and the purity of the material by EDX.

Synthesis and Characterization of In-Situ-Prepared Nanocomposites Based on Poly(Propylene 2,5-Furan Dicarboxylate) and Aluminosilicate Clays

Poly(propylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PPF), or poly(trimethylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PTF), is a biobased alipharomatic polyester that is expected to replace its fossil-based terephthalate (PPT) and naphthate (PPN) homologues. PPF possesses exceptional gas barrier properties, but its slow crystallization rate might affect its success in specific applications in the future. Therefore, a series of PPF based nanocomposites with the nanoclays Cloisite®-Na (MMT), Cloisite®-20A (MMT 20A), and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were synthesized via the in situ transterification and polycondensation method. The effect of the nanoclays on the structure, thermal, and crystallization properties of PPF was studied with several methods including infrared spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear Resonance Spectroscopy (¹H-NMR), Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The insertion of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix altered the crystallization rates, and TGA results showed good thermal stability, since no significant mass loss occurred up to 300 °C. Finally, the degradation mechanism was studied in depth with Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, and it was found that β-scission is the dominant degradation mechanism.

Structural Investigation of Poly(ethylene furanoate) Polymorphs

α and β crystalline phases of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) were determined using X-ray powder diffraction by structure resolution in direct space and Rietveld refinement. Moreover, the α’ structure of a PEF sample was refined from data previously reported for PEF fiber. Triclinic α-PEF a = 5.729 Å, b = 7.89 Å, c = 9.62 Å, α = 98.1°, β = 65.1°, γ = 101.3°; monoclinic α’-PEF a = 5.912 Å, b = 6.91 Å, c = 19.73 Å, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 104.41°; and monoclinic β-PEF a = 5.953 Å, b = 6.60 Å, c = 10.52 Å, α = 90°, β = 107.0°, γ = 90° were determined as the best fitting of X-ray diffraction (XRD) powder patterns. Final atomic coordinates are reported for all polymorphs. In all cases PEF chains adopted an almost planar configuration.