Structure–Property Relations in New Cyclic Galactaric Acid Derived Monomers and Polymers Therefrom: Possibilities and Challenges

In order to fully exploit the potential of carbohydrate-based monomers, different (and some new) functionalities are introduced on galactaric acid via acetalization, and subsequently, partially-biobased polyamides are prepared therefrom via polycondensation in the melt. Compared to nonsubstituted linear monomer, faster advancement of the reaction is observed for the different biacetal derivatives of galactaric acid. This kinetic observation is of great significance since it allows conducting a polymerization reaction at lower temperatures than normally expected for polyamides, which allows overcoming typical challenges (e.g., thermal degradation) encountered upon polymerization of carbohydrate-derived monomers in the melt. The polymers derived from the modified galactaric acid monomers vary in terms of glass transition temperature, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and functionality.