Polymers from fatty acids: poly(ω-hydroxyl tetradecanoic acid) synthesis and physico-mechanical studies

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Development of sustainable bioplastics is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
• Novel monomers from fermentation offer new avenues for biopolymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize poly(ω-hydroxytetradecanoate) (P(ω-OHC14)) from a novel monomer.
• To investigate the influence of molecular weight on the physicomechanical properties of P(ω-OHC14).

Main Methods:

• Melt-condensation polymerization using titanium tetraisopropoxide catalyst.
• Characterization using SEC-MALLS, DSC, TGA, DMTA, and tensile testing.
• Exploration of structure-property relationships, including molecular weight and thermal properties.

Main Results:

• P(ω-OHC14) with molecular weights from 53K to 140K were successfully synthesized.
• A brittle-to-ductile transition was observed with increasing molecular weight (53K-78K).
• High molecular weight P(ω-OHC14) (>78K) demonstrated tough properties with ~700% elongation at break and ~50 MPa tensile strength.

Conclusions:

• P(ω-OHC14) shows tunable mechanical properties based on molecular weight.
• This bioplastic exhibits promising characteristics for potential applications as an alternative to high-density polyethylene.
• Fermentation-derived monomers provide a viable route to advanced bioplastics.