20.500.12556/DKUM-92057 Thermal, molecular dynamics, and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene furanoate)/poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymers This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a series of multiblock copolymers, poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEF-PCL), created through a combination of the two-step melt polycondensation method and ring opening polymerization, as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. The structural confirmation of these block copolymers was achieved through Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ensuring the successful integration of PEF and PCL segments. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was employed for chemical bonding and quantitative analysis, providing insights into the distribution and compatibility of the copolymer components. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a single glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating the effective plasticizing effect of PCL on PEF, which enhances the flexibility of the copolymers. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) studies highlight the complex relationship between PCL content and crystallization in PEF-PCL block copolymers, emphasizing the need to balance crystallinity and mechanical properties for optimal material performance. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) confirmed excellent distribution of PEF-PCL without phase separation, which is vital for maintaining consistent material properties. Mechanical properties were evaluated using Nanoindentation testing, demonstrating the potential of these copolymers as flexible packaging materials due to their enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility. The study concludes that PEF-PCL block copolymers are promising candidates for sustainable packaging solutions, combining environmental benefits with desirable material properties. poly(ethylene furanoate) poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymers thermal properties molecular dynamics crystallinity mechanical properties flexible packaging poli(etilen furanoat) poli(ε-kaprolakton) blok kopolimeri toplotne lastnosti molekularna dinamika kristaliničnost mehanske lastnosti fleksibilna embalaža true false true MDPI Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules © 2024 by the authors Članek v reviji 2025-03-13 13:23:49 2025-03-13 13:23:50 2025-08-27 13:56:18 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2024 0 0 20 str. iss. 24, [article no.] 5943 Vol. 29 Dec. 2024 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 2024-11-07 2024-12-14 2024-12-16 577:543.2 223098883 10.3390/molecules29245943 1420-3049 molecules-29-05943-v3_(1).pdf molecules-29-05943-v3_(1).pdf 1 3F34A1445058D2A1D91D546E3F36F310 f5dc40bc00f6d4f802b6347eb203d045eea01afc88e6375b9bdb37f517a7c104 6571df9d-0006-11f0-82d0-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=189256 https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/24/5943 0 6d784027-0006-11f0-82d0-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=189257 Fakulteta za strojništvo 0 0 0