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Bio‐based plasticizer and thermoset polyesters: A green polymer chemistry approach
Author(s) -
Rowe Mathew D.,
Eyiler Ersan,
Walters Keisha B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.43917
Subject(s) - thermosetting polymer , polyester , condensation polymer , plasticizer , polymer chemistry , polymer , materials science , molar mass distribution , organic chemistry , chemistry , chemical engineering , engineering
Renewable resource‐based polyesters, poly(trimethylene malonate) (PTM) and poly(trimethylene itaconate) (PTI), were synthesized from 1,3‐propanediol, malonic acid, and itaconic acid via melt polycondensation using green chemistry principles. Aluminum chloride, a Lewis acid, was used as the catalyst at different reaction temperatures. Chemical structure of PTM and PTI with low dispersities showed the presence of ester and ether bonds. A bimodal molecular weight distribution exists, with the high molecular weight fraction ranging from 22 to 38 kDa while the low molecular weight fraction did not exceed 2.5 kDa. Thermal analysis of PTM showed a T g ranging between –66 and –41 °C. PTM could be used as a plasticizer for other degradable bioplastics, sensor applications, and drug delivery. PTI, a semi‐crystalline thermoset polymer, may be used for production of packaging material, disposable utensils, tableware, indoor furnishings, and more importantly, as a degradable biomaterial for biomedical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133 , 43917.