Precision Synthesis of Bio‐Based Acrylic Thermoplastic Elastomer by RAFT Polymerization of Itaconic Acid Derivatives

Abstract

Bio-based polymer materials from renewable resources have recently become a growing research focus. Herein, a novel thermoplastic elastomer is developed via controlled/living radical polymerization of plant-derived itaconic acid derivatives, which are some of the most abundant renewable acrylic monomers obtained via the fermentation of starch. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerizations of itaconic acid imides, such as N-phenylitaconimide and N-(p-tolyl)itaconimide, and itaconic acid esters, such as di-n-butyl itaconate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) itaconate, are examined using a series of RAFT agents to afford well-defined polymers. The number-average molecular weights of these polymers increase with the monomer conversion while retaining relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. Based on the successful controlled/living polymerization, sequential block copolymerization is subsequently investigated using mono- and di-functional RAFT agents to produce block copolymers with soft poly(itaconate) and hard poly(itaconimide) segments. The properties of the obtained triblock copolymer are evaluated as bio-based acrylic thermoplastic elastomers.

Compatibilizing effects of polypropylene-g-itaconic acid on the polypropylene composites

“…In addition, Yazdami-Pedram et al [11] reported that PP/carbon nanotube composites using PP-g-IA as a compatibilizer have better mechanical and thermal properties. IA is selected as one of the top value added chemicals from biomass by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) [12,13], and its production will continue to increase from sugars via biological method.…”

Synthesis of biorenewable and water-degradable polylactam esters from itaconic acid

“…1 The glass transition temperature (T g ) of polylactic acid (PLA) can be excelled by incorporating aromatic (PET), bioaromatic (PHFA), or bioheterocyclic (PEPC) motifs into the polyester main-chain. 32 Previous polymerization research with IA has generally followed two approaches: 33 polycondensation of itaconic acid with diols to yield polyesters; [34][35][36][37] and radical homopolymerization or copolymerization of dialkyl itaconate with other unsaturated monomers to prepare acrylic polymers. See DOI: 10.1039/c6gc01081d chosen bioaromatics and confer the polymer chain rigidity and/or chain-chain interactions that are essential for high glass transition temperature materials.…”

Preparation and intermolecular interaction of bio-based elastomer/hindered phenol hybrid with tunable damping properties

“…In recent years, many researchers focused on the transformation of biomass into chemicals [20][21][22][23] and the synthesis of bio-based monomers into polymers [24][25][26][27][28][29]. Monomers that come from biomass directly and indirectly, such as vegetable oils, lactic acid, and itaconic acid, have been used to synthesize various polymers.…”