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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Sustainable Thermoplastic Elastomers from Terpene-Derived Monomers
Justin M Bolton1, Marc A Hillmyer1, Thomas R Hoye1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 20, 2022
Summary
New ABA triblock polymers derived from plant-based monomers offer superior performance. These sustainable thermoplastic elastomers exhibit enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties compared to traditional options.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Traditional styrenic thermoplastic elastomers are petroleum-derived.
- There is a need for sustainable alternatives with improved properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize ABA triblock polymers using pinene-derivable monomers.
- To evaluate the properties of these novel thermoplastic elastomers.
Main Methods:
- Living anionic polymerization of α-methyl-p-methylstyrene and myrcene.
- Characterization of resulting ABA triblock polymers.
Main Results:
- Microphase separation observed at moderate molar mass.
- Upper service temperature 70 °C higher than conventional styrenic elastomers.
- Tensile strengths up to 10 MPa and elongations up to 1300% achieved.
- Remarkably low energy loss and recovery attributes demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- ABA triblock polymers from renewable resources show excellent thermoplastic elastomer properties.
- These bio-based materials offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived elastomers.
- The enhanced thermal and mechanical performance makes them suitable for demanding applications.
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