Kinetic Thermal Degradation of Cellulose, Polybutylene Succinate and a Green Composite: Comparative Study

Abstract

Polybutylene succinate (PBS), classed as biopolymer, was synthesized by condensation of succinic acid with a lower excess of (1, 4) butanediol. The synthesized polymer was analyzed by FTIR, RMN, DSC and ATG/ATD. Thermal degradation kinetics was investigated for cellulose, polybutylene succinate, physical blend of both polymers (cellulose (80%) + PBS (20%)) and compared with polycaprolactone by dynamic thermogravimetry, under nitrogen atmosphere from room temperature to 480 °C, at constant nominal heating rates: 5, 10 and 15 °C/min, respectively. The Kissinger, Friedman, Flynn-Ozawa-Wall and Coatse - Redfern (modified) methods were developed and the corresponding activation energies, frequency factors and reaction orders were determined.