Metal-Free Click Modification of Triple Bond-Containing Polyester with Azide-Functionalized Vegetable Oil:...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable and renewable polymers and additives.
• Need for non-toxic, non-migratory plasticizers to replace phthalates.
• Interest in biobased alternatives derived from sources like soybean oil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate an azide-functionalized soybean oil derivative (AzSBO) as a novel biobased plasticizer.
• To investigate the covalent attachment of AzSBO to a polyester using a metal-free azide-alkyne click reaction.
• To assess the impact of AzSBO incorporation on the thermal, mechanical, and solvent absorption properties of the modified polyester.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of azide-functionalized soybean oil (AzSBO).
• Covalent attachment of AzSBO to a triple-bond-containing polyester via click chemistry.
• Characterization of thermal properties (glass transition temperature, degradation temperature), mechanical behavior, and solvent absorption.
• Comparative analysis of AzSBO with commercial plasticizers (DEHP, ESO).

Main Results:

• AzSBO was successfully incorporated into the polyester via click reaction.
• Increased AzSBO content led to a significant decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg) from 57 °C to 31 °C.
• Higher AzSBO ratios improved solvent resistance due to increased cross-linking.
• Thermal stability was enhanced, with a 60 °C increase in maximum weight loss temperature at 20% AzSBO addition.

Conclusions:

• AzSBO serves as an effective biobased plasticizer for polyesters.
• Covalent attachment via click chemistry ensures permanence and prevents migration.
• AzSBO offers a promising green alternative, improving polymer properties and thermal stability.