Hydrolytic Degradation of Thermoplastic Copolyester Nanocomposites

Abstract

Chain extenders remain necessary in improving the molecular weight of TPE-E and, consequently, broaden their industrial applications. Chain extenders help in the substitution of polyester hydrolysis-caused molecular weight damage, leading to the production of a polymer with desired melting strength and rheological properties. The chain extenders function effectively, predominantly due to their bi-functional groups that inherently react with polymer terminal groups. Moreover, specific chain extenders, such as tetraglycidyl-4,4-diamino-diphenylmethane (TGDDM), are vital in the enhancement of TPE-E molecular weights. Consequently, TPE-E would have improved rheological, mechanical, and thermal characteristics [4].