Citronella-based polyesters by organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization and their recyclable crosslinked films. (17th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qin, Kai-Xuan; Li, Shi-Si; Xu, Jing; Li, Zi-Long; Li, Zi-Chen; Cheng, Chunzu
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 185(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-17
• Subjects: Citronella -- Aliphatic polyester -- Ring-opening polymerization -- Chemical recycling -- Crosslinked film; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111803
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Polyesters were synthesized via organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of downstream product of citronella oil, a non-food biomass. Chemical transformation of trisubstituted alkene moiety was achieved by cross-metathesis of this bulky group with methyl acrylate. Free-standing films were fabricated by UV-induced crosslinking of acrylate-terminated three-armed star polymers. Crosslinked thin films were efficiently recycled as ω-hydroxy ester upon organobase-catalyzed methanolysis. Abstract: Independence of food supply chain is a grand challenge encountered by the development of bio-based polymers. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of amorphous aliphatic polyesters via organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization of 9-membered lactone monomer, a novel downstream product of non-edible citronella oil. In particular, chemical transformation of trisubstituted alkene moiety owned by this renewable biomass was achieved by cross-metathesis of this bulky group with methyl acrylate. Three-armed star polymers were converted to free-standing films by UV-induced crosslinking. In particular, these crosslinked thin films could be efficiently recycled as ω -hydroxy ester upon methanolysis. This work opens a new avenue for the synthesis and application of terpene- and terpenoid-based polymers.