Work

Physical aging of terephthalate-isosorbide co-polyesters

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Isosorbide-based polyesters are emerging as sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers, yet their long-term stability remains underexplored. Here, we investigate the physical aging of three isosorbide copolyesters—PIBT, PIDT, and PICT (~50 mol% isosorbide)—relative to PET and the high-Tg benchmark PCTT. Samples were aged up to 504 h near and below Tg, and enthalpy relaxation (via DSC) was correlated with mechanical changes. All polymers followed Arrhenius-type aging with activation energies of 162–260 kJ/mol, consistently higher for yield strength than enthalpy recovery. Despite comparable Tg values (~108–109 °C), PIBT aged more rapidly than PCTT, underscoring the role of chemical structure beyond Tg in controlling aging kinetics. Physical aging also strongly suppressed stress relaxation across all materials. These results demonstrate how molecular design governs the thermal and mechanical stability of isosorbide-based polyesters, guiding the development of durable, sustainable alternatives to PET.

Source: Polymer

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2025.129322

Authors: Anne Therese Weyhe, Bruno Bottega Pergher, Gert-Jan M. Gruter, Donghong Yu

Institutions: Lego (Denmark), Aalborg University, Avantium (Netherlands), University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Polymer crystallization and properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,980

Funders: Innovationsfonden, Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek