Single‐step solution polymerization of poly(alkylene terephthalate)s: synthesis parameters and polymer characterization. Issue 3 (5th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giol, Elena Diana; Van den Brande, Niko; Van Mele, Bruno; Van Vlierberghe, Sandra; Dubruel, Peter
• Is Part Of: Polymer international. Volume 67:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2018-01-05
• Subjects: polymer synthesis -- poly(alkylene terephthalate) -- solution polycondensation -- odd − even thermal effect; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.5508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8103

Abstract

Abstract: Poly(alkylene terephthalate)s represent one of the most frequently used polymer classes worldwide. Well‐known examples include poly(ethylene terephthalate) ( n = 2) and poly(butylene terephthalate) ( n = 4). The conventional synthesis method for these polymers is based on melt polycondensation, a two‐stage process performed under harsh conditions that includes the synthesis of an intermediate prepolymer and the presence of a catalyst, which may induce toxicity issues. The present work reports on a straightforward single‐step solution polycondensation method performed under mild conditions and in the absence of a catalyst. A homologous series of poly(alkylene terephthalate)s ( n = 5 − 10) of molar masses up to 20 000 g mol −1 and dispersity <2.4 was synthesized and characterized thoroughly. Great attention was given to the thermal properties assessment by using state‐of‐the‐art techniques and a highly sensitive prototype technique called rapid heat − cool DSC. Similar to melt‐synthesized polyesters, a particular odd − even trend of the thermal properties versus the number of methylene groups within the monomer unit was revealed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report covering a single‐step solution‐based polycondensation performed in the absence of a catalyst that results in highly reproducible polyesters possessing unaltered thermal properties compared to polyesters synthesized through industrially applied conventional routes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry Abstract : A single‐step solution‐based polycondensation performed in the absence of a catalyst was successfully used to synthesize poly(alkylene terephthalate)s possessing unaltered thermal properties compared to industrially‐applied conventional synthesis routes.