High performance long chain polyesters via melt copolymerization of cutin-inspired monomers

Abstract

Biopolymers have exhibited potential as sustainable and circular replacements to existing commodity thermoplastic polymers. However, current biopolymers are limited by poor thermomechanical performance compared with their petroleum-derived counterparts. Herein, we report a simple strategy to achieve good mechanical properties in bio-inspired long-chain polyesters (LCPs) via melt copolymerization. By combining mono- and poly-hydroxyl functionalized long chain fatty acids, we show that tough, semi-crystalline materials can be produced that outperform related biopolymers in terms of their thermomechanical behavior. We envision that LCPs derived from hydroxylated fatty acids represent an ideal platform to create the next generation of commodity thermoplastics that possess advantaged properties, inherent biodegradability, and feedstock stability.