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Poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene‐1, 4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate): analysis of parameters affecting polymerization and cis – trans isomerization
Author(s) -
Colonna Martino,
Berti Corrado,
Binassi Enrico,
Celli Annamaria,
Fiorini Maurizio,
Marchese Paola,
Messori Massimo,
Brunelle Daniel J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.3128
Subject(s) - isomerization , polymerization , monomer , polymer chemistry , polymer , cyclohexane , materials science , catalysis , polyester , chemistry , organic chemistry
Weatherable semicrystalline polyesters based on 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA) or dimethyl 1,4‐cyclohexane dicarboxylate (DMCD) can be prepared under normal melt‐phase conditions, using titanium tetrabutoxide as catalyst. The effect of monomer ratio, reaction temperature and catalyst loading on the final polymer properties was studied. Under the proper polymerization conditions, poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate) polymers with high molecular weight can be obtained. During polymerization, isomerization can occur towards the thermodynamically stable cis ‐ trans ratio of 34–66 mol%. Carboxylic acid end groups can catalyze the isomerization and therefore the polymerization is more critical starting from CHDA rather than DMCD. Moreover, temperature control becomes a key factor to avoid or to limit isomerization. The study of the isomerization of the different monomers permitted a better understanding of the isomerization and therefore of the polymerization process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry