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Solvent-free synthesis of biodegradable isosorbide-based polycarbonates
Researchers present a novel melt polycondensation approach for bio-based isosorbide polycarbonates, offering partial biodegradability, biocompatibility, and strong mechanical properties, with applications in packaging and medical devices.
A new strategy for synthesising partially biodegradable isosorbide-based polycarbonates (ISB-based PCs) combines green chemistry principles with high-performance material design. Researchers employed a solvent-free melt polycondensation technique, incorporating ethylene oxide (EO)-functionalised comonomers to enhance polymer properties while maintaining environmental efficiency.
The resulting ISB-based PC exhibits improved molecular weight (Mw up to 64,360), tensile strength (up to 71.7 MPa), and optical transparency (90.3–93.0 %). With a high glass transition temperature (Tg = 135.7 °C) and mechanical flexibility attributed to EO-containing segments, this partially biodegradable material outperforms conventional petroleum-derived and biomass-based non-degradable polycarbonates on multiple fronts.
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Biodegradability and sustainable design
ISO 14855-1 biodegradation tests showed 16.7 % mineralisation over seventy days, significantly surpassing the degradation rates of traditional counterparts. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays confirmed biocompatibility with human keratinocytes, expanding its application potential in medical devices.
Green chemistry metrics, including an E-factor of 0.98 and a PMI of 1.98, highlight the process’s sustainability compared to phosgene-based methods. By integrating minimal BPA-EO fractions, the study demonstrates scalable potential for transitioning towards fully bio-based systems, making ISB-based PCs ideal for packaging, coatings, and healthcare solutions.
Source: Lim, W.-B. et al., An effective strategy to synthesise a novel biodegradable isosorbide-based polycarbonate. Polymer Chemistry, Issue 48 (2026).
