Increasing the solubility range of polyesters by tuning their microstructure with comonomers

Marie Delgove, Juandré Luchies, Iris Wauters, Geert G.P. Deroover, Stefaan de Wildeman, Katrien Bernaerts*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The solubility range of ω-pentadecalactone (ω-PDL) based polymers is increased by copolymerization with a smaller branched lactone, δ-undecalactone (δ-UDL). The copolyester microstructure was assessed by 13C NMR/MALDI-ToF MS and indicates a block-like or random-like structure depending on the feed ratio. DSC analysis reveals a considerable decrease in the crystallinity of the copolyesters which can be attributed to the lack of stereoselectivity of the alkyl substituent of δ-UDL hampering chain packing. Consequently, the ω-PDL-based copolyesters present a broader solubility range towards polar aprotic solvents as demonstrated by the Hansen solubility parameter analysis. Finally, the effect of the ring size and position of the substituents of the comonomer lactone on the solubility range of ω-PDL-based copolyesters was investigated by copolymerization with a β,δ-substituted-ε-caprolactone. This broadening of the solubility range of ω-PDL-based copolyesters should enable the use of this biobased macrolactone in applications such as additives in coatings.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4696-4706
Number of pages11
JournalPolymer Chemistry
Volume8
Issue number32
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jul 2017

Keywords

  • MALDI-TOF-MS
  • OMEGA-PENTADECALACTONE
  • CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION
  • EPSILON-DECALACTONE
  • COPOLYMERS
  • POLYMERIZATION
  • LACTONES

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