Transcrystal, Polymorphism, Thermal Stability and Biodegradation of Poly(1,4-butylene adipate) Modulated by a Nucleobase

In this work, we reported the interesting transcrystals of the poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) with loading of the bio-derived additive. The overlapped thymine (TM) crystals with the biocompatibility and biodegradability, induced the PBA to form the transcrystals in the PBA/TM composite. The TM, as an effective nucleator, increased the crystallization temperature and crystallization rate of the PBA. More interestingly, the TM facilitated the generation of the PBA alpha-modification at a lower temperature, accelerated significantly the beta-to-alpha phase transition, and tailored the polymorphism of the PBA. Additionally, the TM increased the thermal degradation temperature (Td) in the initial stage and suppressed the enzymatic degradation (biodegradation) of the PBA. The mechanisms on the generation of the transcrystals, nucleation, tailoring of the polymorphism, enhanced Td and reduced biodegradability of the PBA were also been proposed and discussed in depth.Graphical Abstract