Synthesis, properties and biodegradability of polyesters based on 1,3‐propanediol

Aliphatic homopolyesters and copolyesters based on 1,3‐propanediol and containing terephthalic acid as aromatic compounds and sebacic acid as aliphatic compound were synthesized by condensation in bulk. Intrinsic viscosity and weight‐average molecular weight were measured. Melting temperatures were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. For all polyesters the biodegradability was tested. Test media were inoculated with either municipal compost eluates or decanted sewage sludge. Criteria measured were visible changes, weight loss, and scanning electron microscopy indicating the visible changes of the surface. Compositions of copolyesters were characterized by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. As a major result it is concluded that biodegradability depends substantially on the sequential structure of the polymer.