Itaconic Acid as a Comonomer in Betulin-Based Thermosets via Sequential and Bulk Preparation

Alexandra M. Lehman-Chong, Casey L. Cox, Emre Kinaci, Sarah E. Burkert, Megan L. Dodge, Devin M. Rosmarin, James A. Newell, Lindsay Soh, Melissa B. Gordon, Joseph F. Stanzione

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The inherent chemical functionalities of biobased monomers enable the production of renewably sourced polymers that further advance sustainable manufacturing. Itaconic acid (IA) is a nontoxic, commercially produced biobased monomer that can undergo both UV and thermal curing. Betulin is a biocompatible, structurally complex diol derived from birch tree bark that has been recently studied for materials with diverse applications. Here, betulin, IA, and biobased linear diacids, 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (C12) and 1,18-octadecanedioic acid (C18), were used to prepare thermosets using sequential and bulk curing methods. Thermoplastic polyester precursors were synthesized and formulated into polyester-methacrylate (PM) resins to produce sequential UV-curable thermosets. Bulk-cured polyester thermosets were prepared using a one-pot, solventless melt polycondensation using glycerol as a cross-linker. The structure-property relationships of the thermoplastic polyester precursors, sequentially prepared PM thermosets, and bulk-cured polyester thermosets were evaluated with varying IA content. Both types of thermosets exhibited higher storage moduli, Tgs, and thermal stabilities with greater IA comonomer content. These results demonstrate the viability of using IA as a comonomer to produce betulin-based thermosets each with tunable properties, expanding the scope of their applications and use in polymeric materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)14216-14225
Number of pages10
JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Volume11
Issue number38
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 25 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Itaconic Acid as a Comonomer in Betulin-Based Thermosets via Sequential and Bulk Preparation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this