The Development of a Photodegradable Polyester

Material Information

Title:
The Development of a Photodegradable Polyester
Creator:
Bailey Phelps
Matthew Baker
Publisher:
SUNY Oswego Creative Writing Program
Publication Date:

Notes

Abstract:
Plastics have become one of the most easily produced, utilized, and discarded products in the modern world. As production costs of plastics dropped, the amount of plastic found in landfills has grown drastically. In response, many attempts have been made to develop biodegradable plastics, also known as polymers. This project focused on the synthesis, depolymerization, and characterization of a light sensitive polymer. Hydroxycinnamic acid was used as the precursor to our polymer. This compound is commonly found in foods and spices such as cinnamon. After successful synthesis and purification of the polymer it was then characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Following characterization, the polymer was exposed to UV light in order to initiate degradation. The product of degradation was later characterized by NMR and found to be coumarin. This is an ideal outcome because coumarin is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants. The focus of the project then turned to studying the kinetics of the depolymerization process by NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The rate and extent of depolymerization was then determined using the aforementioned methods. The main goal of the project was to synthesize a photodegradable polymer; this concept coupled with the use of a naturally occurring precursor and the production of another natural compound after degradation results in the potential for a more environmentally friendly plastic.
Acquisition:
Collected for SUNY Oswego Institutional Repository by the online self-submittal tool. Submitted by Matthew Baker.

Record Information

Source Institution:
SUNY Oswego Institutional Repository
Rights Management:
All applicable rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.

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