Balance Among Biodegradability, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of CO₂-Derived Polymers

ABSTRACT: Research into biodegradable polymers, driven by environmental imperatives, has progressed significantly. The copolymerization of CO₂ and epoxides produces poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), which exhibits favorable biodegradability but suffers from poor thermomechanical properties. To address this, recent studies have incorporated rigid monomers or crystalline segments into such copolymerizations, generating a diverse range of CO₂-derived copolymers with enhanced thermal and mechanical performance. However, their degradation profiles remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we selected several representative CO₂-derived copolymers, recently synthesized by our group, to systematically investigate the structure-property relationship. We evaluated their biodegradability through a series of tests, including biodegradation rate analysis, compost disintegration, and seed germination assays. These polymers, developed by our research team, offer advantages such as low cost, tunable properties, broad applicability, and environmental compatibility. They are thus promising candidates for introducing new materials into the biodegradable plastics market.