New biodegradable polymers from renewable sources:polyester-carbonates based on 1,3-propylene-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene succinate

\u3b1,\u3c9-Dihydroxy-terminated copolymeric oligomers of a 1,3-propylene/1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene succinate structure were obtained by the thermal polycondensation of 1,3-propanediol/1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol/succinic acid mixtures. They were subsequently chain-extended via phosgene synthesis to high molecular weight aliphatic/alicyclic copolyester-carbonates. These new polymers, besides having a biodegradable backbone, originate from two monomers, namely, 1,3-propanediol and succinic acid, which can be obtained by renewable sources. Therefore, they have a potential as environmentally friendly materials. All synthesized materials were characterized in reference to their molecular structure by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Their molecular weights and molecular weight distributions were determined by size exclusion chromatography, and their main thermal properties were measured by DSC. Spectroscopic characterizations were in full agreement with the proposed structures. 1,4-Cyclohexanedimethanol was used as a diol comonomer to improve the overall thermal properties of poly(1,3-propylene succinate). The results of the characterization performed show that the initial expectations were only partially satisfied

Sustainable polymers from renewable resources

Renewable resources are used increasingly in the production of polymers. In particular, monomers such as carbon dioxide, terpenes, vegetable oils and carbohydrates can be used as feedstocks for the manufacture of a variety of sustainable materials and products, including elastomers, plastics, hydrogels, flexible electronics, resins, engineering polymers and composites. Efficient catalysis is required to produce monomers, to facilitate selective polymerizations and to enable recycling or upcycling of waste materials. There are opportunities to use such sustainable polymers in both high-value areas and in basic applications such as packaging. Life-cycle assessment can be used to quantify the environmental benefits of sustainable polymers