Direct copolycondensation of biobased elastomers based on lactic acid with tunable and versatile properties

Abstract

Novel poly(lactate/butanediol/sebacate/itaconate) (PLBSI) copolyesters with sustainability and biocompatibility were synthesized by using direct melting polycondensation. The molecular weights, chemical structures, and compositions of the copolyesters were confirmed by GPC, NMR, and FTIR. By controlling the content of lactic acid, the copolyesters were transformed from rigid plastics to flexible elastomers. The PLBSI elastomers were highly reinforced with nanosilica which can meet the tensile strength requirements for the majority of rubber products. More importantly, the PLBSI elastomers can be used as PLA tougheners owing to the similar lactate structures of PLA and PLBSI. The toughened PLA can be applied as excellent three-dimensional printing ink. Besides, the crosslinked PLBSI plastics were demonstrated to be promising shape memory polymers with excellent shape fixity and recovery rate. The renewable monomers, relatively simple polymerization, and versatile performance make our PLBSI copolyesters promising for various medical and engineering applications.