ARS | Publication request: Degradation rates of glycerol polyesters at acidic and basic conditions

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 19, 2010
Publication Date: December 15, 2010
Citation: Holser, R.A. 2010. Degradation rates of glycerol polyesters at acidic and basic conditions; Abstract #839954; The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies; 15-23 December, 2010, Honolulu, HI. American Chemical Society Abstracts.

Interpretive Summary: Polyesters prepared from glycerol with mixtures of adipic and citric acids were evaluated in the laboratory to estimate degradation rates over a range of pH conditions. These renewable polymers provide a market for glycerol that is generated during biodiesel production. The polyesters were prepared without catalyst or solvent and produced water as co-product of the condensation reaction. Degradation rates for five glycerol polyester blends were determined from the amounts of the acids released. All of the polyesters degraded rapidly to the component acids and glycerol. Polyesters exposed to acid solutions degraded 40.2% per day. Polyesters exposed to base solutions degraded 42.0 % per day and polyesters exposed to neutral solutions degraded 37.5% per day. Applications for these materials exist in agricultural, environmental, and biomedical engineering products.

Technical Abstract: NA