Towards Greener Polymers: Poly(octamethylene itaconate-co-succinate) Synthesis Parameters

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable polymeric materials in additive manufacturing.
• Need for eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based inks.
• Exploration of renewable monomers for polymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize renewable, unsaturated resins from itaconic acid, 1,8-octanediol, and succinic anhydride.
• Investigate the influence of synthesis parameters on poly(octamethylene itaconate-co-succinate) (POItcSc) properties.
• Optimize reaction conditions for desirable resin characteristics for 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Melt polycondensation reaction in non-solvent and non-catalyst conditions.
• Box-Behnken mathematical planning for reaction parameter optimization.
• Characterization using FTIR, 1H NMR, DSC, TG, DTG, and rheology.

Main Results:

• Optimal synthesis conditions: 0.50:0.50 itaconic acid molar fraction, 7 h reaction time, 150 °C.
• High conversion of carboxyl groups (83.3%) and maintenance of C=C bonds (88.7%).
• Synthesized POItcSc resins are transparent with favorable rheological properties for extrusion-based 3D printing.

Conclusions:

• Successful synthesis of renewable, unsaturated POItcSc resins via melt polycondensation.
• Demonstrated tunability of resin properties through controlled synthesis parameters.
• POItcSc resins present a viable, sustainable alternative for additive manufacturing inks.