Dual effects of a diamide derivative as nucleator on crystallization kinetics and aggregated structure of biodegradable Poly(ethylene succinate)

A linear diamides derivative-containing organic compound (TMC306) as a nucleator was incorporated into biodegradable poly (ethylene succinate) (PES) to investigate effect of TMC306 on crystallization behavior and aggregated structure of PES. Upon incorporation of TMC306 with lower weight fraction (fTMC306), crystallization temperature (Tc), crystallization rate (k) and degree of crystallinity (Xc) of PES enhanced significantly and crystallization half-time (t1/2) reduced substantially. However, Tc, k and Xc declined progressively in the presence of higher fTMC306. Based on IR results, it suggested that TMC-306 interacts with –CO group of PES and C–O–C group of PES amorphous phase via hydrogen bond. Mechanisms on nucleation of PES and dual effects of TMC306 on crystallization behavior of PES were proposed and discussed in detail. •TMC306 with lower content increased crystallizability of PES, but that with higher one decreased it.•TMC306 interacts with CO group of PES and C–O–C group of amorphous PES.•Enhanced crystallizability of PES with lower content of TMC306 is attributed to nucleation effect of TMC306.•Reduced crystallizability of PES with higher content of TMC306 is ascribed to dual effects (hydrogen bond and nucleation).