Aliphatic Polyethers: Classical Polymers for the 21st Century

Abstract

Polyethers-polymers with the structural element (R'-O-R)n in their backbone--are an old class of polymers which were already used at the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, still today these materials are highly important with applications in all areas of our life, reaching from the automotive and paper industry to cosmetics and biomedical applications. In this Review, different aliphatic polyethers like poly(epoxide)s, poly(oxetane)s, and poly(tetrahydrofuran) are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the history, the polymerization techniques (industrially and in academia), the properties, the applications as well as recent developments of these materials.

Properties of Electrospun Nanofibers of Multi-Block Copolymers of [Poly-ε-caprolactone-b-poly(tetrahydrofuran-co-ε-caprolactone)]m Synthesized by Janus Polymerization

“…Both the synthesis and properties of THF-based polymers were widely reported in the literature [11]. THF can only undergo cationic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) to produce polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), which is widely used as the soft segments in thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethanes and polyesters due to its excellent elastomeric properties [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Differing from random P(THF-co-CL) as a soft viscous oil obtained by cationic polymerization, multi-block copolymers of [PCL-b-P(THF-co-CL)] m are thermoplastic elastomers with high strain at break of over 1000% and moderate tensile strength of 15 MPa, where crystallized PCL segments generate hard domains and amorphous P(THF-co-CL) blocks act as soft segments [21].…”

Degradability comparison of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and its composites filled with starch and calcium carbonate in different aquatic environments

“…As learned from the experiences of terrestrial pollution control, the development of seawater‐degradable materials that are degradable in the marine environment after disposal would be the most fundamental solution to this problem . Initially, commercially biodegradable aliphatic polyester received the closest attention as a replacement for conventional plastics in many applications because of their excellent mechanical properties.…”

Synthesis, optical, and thermal properties of polyimides containing flexible ether linkage

“…11,12 Polyethers are condensation polymers and they have drawn a great deal of demand due to thermal stability, structural modification, versatile synthesis, and many applications such as antifreezing agent, detergents, cosmetics, ink, food flavoring, medicine, and pharmacology. [13][14][15][16] In addition, different derivatives of polyethers such as poly(ether ketone), 17 poly(ether sulfone), 18 and poly(ether imide) 19 were also prepared and reported in literature. Among the polyimide derivatives, poly(ether imide)s are the engineering polymers and they are predominantly used in industrial applications.…”