Abstract

R. Indira, T. Tamizharuvi and V. Jaisankar*

A series of high molecular weight copolyesters were prepared from isophthalic acid, 1,4-butane diol and sebacic acid/ adipic acid through a two step process of melt polycondensation using titanium tetra butoxide as catalyst. The synthesised random copolyesters were characterised by means of IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The effect copolymer composition on the physical and thermal properties, as well as enzymatic degradation was investigated. The enzymatic degradation was performed in a buffer solution with enzyme Candida cylindracea lipase. The phase behaviour of the polymers was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and optical polarising microscopy equipped with a heating stage. The copolyesters exhibit thermotropic liquid crystalline behaviour with nematic texture as observed by optical polarising microscopy.

Liquid crystalline; Melt polycondensation; Random copolyesters

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