β-Pinene-Derived Polyesteramides and Their Blends: Advances in Their Upscaling, Processing, and Characterization.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials Science
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Terpene-based polyesteramides (PEAs) offer a sustainable alternative in the polymer industry.
• Developing efficient synthesis routes for bio-based polymers is crucial for environmental sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize β-pinene lactam and copolymerize it with ε-caprolactone to create novel PEAs.
• To enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the synthesis process.
• To improve the molecular weight and properties of the resulting PEAs.

Main Methods:

• Optimized oxidation of β-pinene to nopinone using reduced amounts of Al2O3 and KMnO4 with H2SO4 catalysis.
• Screening of catalysts and co-reagents for Beckmann rearrangement, identifying tosyl chloride as optimal.
• Controlled polymerization of β-pinene lactam and ε-caprolactone to increase polymer chain length.

Main Results:

• Achieved a significant increase in PEA molecular weight from 6000 g mol⁻¹ to over 25,100 g mol⁻¹.
• The synthesized PEAs exhibit a melting temperature of ≈55 °C and decomposition temperatures ≥354 °C.
• Blends of PEA with polyethylene glycol were successfully prepared, enhancing hydrophilicity for potential biomedical uses.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a more sustainable and efficient route to high molecular weight terpene-based PEAs.
• The resulting PEAs possess favorable thermal properties, though brittleness presents processing challenges.
• PEA blends show promise for biomedical applications due to improved hydrophilicity.