A new class of bio-elastomers based on β-myrcene and a glycomonomer: their application in sustainable adhesives

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of fully bio-based elastomers based on β-myrcene (MY) and a glycomonomer and their application in adhesives using different substrates. In this case, the bio-elastomers were synthesized by copolymerizing MY, a terpene monomer having an analogous structure to isoprene, with a methacrylate-functionalized glycomonomer, 3-O-methacryloyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose (MAIpGlc), via emulsion polymerization. The resulting poly(MAIpGlc-co-MY) copolymers were thoroughly characterized using COSY NMR, FTIR, and GPC analyses, and their thermal properties were evaluated using DSC and TGA analyses. Evaluation of the tensile properties and lap-shear adhesion tests of the copolymers showed that as the glycomonomer content increased, these properties improved. Interestingly, when the glyco moieties were deprotected, they showed greater adhesion strength because of better polar–polar interactions between the –OH groups in the bio-elastomers and with polar substrates like iron, wood, etc. This research contributes to the development of sustainable bio-based elastomers with enhanced properties, offering potential applications in various fields, such as specialty adhesives and coatings. MTT assay analysis of the copolymers indicates that they are highly biocompatible.