Synthesis of bio‐based poly(butylene carbonate‐co‐glycolic acid) with tunable degradation rate and mechanical properties

Bio‐based copolymers with excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability are highly desired for packaging and agricultural applications. In this work, a series of high molecular weight bio‐based poly(ester‐carbonate)s are synthesized using glycolic acid (GA), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO). The intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of these copolymers ranges from 0.70 to 1.11 dL/g. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of PBCGA10 are 19.69 ± 2.40 MPa, 151.20 ± 37.17 MPa, and 1173 ± 142%, respectively, which are superior to the mechanical properties of PBAT. The degradation weight loss of PBCGA10 and PBCGA20 after 30 days can reach 8% and 40%, respectively, indicating excellent degradation performance of the copolymers. Moreover, copolymers undergo degradation through a surface degradation mechanism. The main products of copolymer degradation are BDO, CO2, and H2O, which do not cause harm to organisms and the environment. The structure and microstructure of PBCGA copolymers after degradation.