Preparation and crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)/cellulose composites by twin screw extrusion.

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), an emerging biobased polyester, was compounded with cellulose via twin-screw extrusion. Different extrusion parameters such as mixing time, screw speed and temperature were employed. Composite thin films containing 1, 2 and 4% cellulose w/w were prepared and compared with neat PEF films.

Glass transition dynamics and cooperativity length of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate).

The glass transition of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), an emergent bio-based polyester, was investigated in comparison to one of its chemical analogues: poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). These investigations were conducted at different crystallinities by means of stochastic modulated differential scanning calorimetry (stochastic TMDSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Amorphous PEF presents a higher ΔCp at the glass transition and a broader relaxation spectrum attributed to a higher free volume.