Bio-based polyether from limonene oxide catalytic ROP as green polymeric plasticizer for PLA. (1st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sessini, Valentina; Palenzuela, Miguel; Damián, Jesús; Mosquera, Marta E.G.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 210(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Subjects: Green additives -- Limonene oxide -- Bio-based polyethers -- Catalytic ring opening polymerization -- Earth abundant metal catalysts; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, the polymerization of Limonene Oxide (LO) has been achieved using an Earth abundant metal-based catalyst developed in our group, that is very active in ring opening polymerization (ROP) processes. The bio-based polylimonene ether (PLO) obtained had low molecular weight and good thermal properties, thus being a potential green polymeric additive for other bio-based polymers such as PLA. Hence, we have explored its ability to influence PLA properties. The addition of only 10 wt %, led to the modification and improvement of PLA properties in terms of flexibility, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity. The results obtained are promising and open up the potential industrial application of PLO for the melt-processing of blends based on PLA/PLO. These new materials are totally based on renewable sources and may be interesting for many applications where biodegradability and reduced water adsorption is required, such as food packaging or agricultural mulch films. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Polymerization of Limonene Oxide was achieved with an aluminium catalyst. PLO is an efficient green additive for PLA able to modify its properties. PLO increase the flexibility, the thermal stability and the surface hydrophobicity of PLA. PLO is a promising industrial plasticizer totally derived from renewable sources. PLA/PLO blends can be used for potential agricultural applications.