Rotas sintéticas simples e de baixo custo para obtenção de biopolímeros de glicerol e ácido succínico

Abstract

The increase in biodiesel production in Brazil has led to significant glycerol surpluses, encouraging the search for sustainable alternatives for the valorization of this coproduct. In this study, two simple, low-cost synthetic routes conducted in an open system were investigated for the production of poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu) via polycondensation between glycerol and succinic acid. The routes differed mainly in the presence, concentration, and mode of addition of the acid catalyst. The obtained samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirmed the formation of ester linkages and evidenced the progression of the polycondensation reaction. The route employing concentrated sulfuric acid promoted rapid esterification but also favored thermal degradation and darkening of the material. In contrast, the route using a diluted catalyst resulted in a more gradual and controlled reaction evolution, presenting spectra consistent with those of PGSu reported in the literature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of route 1 indicated the absence of detectable glass transition or melting events, a behavior consistent with low–molar-mass materials and a highly amorphous nature. The results demonstrate that PGSu can be synthesized under accessible experimental conditions and that controlling catalyst concentration and heating time is critical for the structural quality of the oligomer. The study reinforces the potential of PGSu as a sustainable biopolymer and highlights this route as a viable strategy for the valorization of glycerol derived from biodiesel production.