Abstract
Polyesters are an important class of thermoplastic polymers, and there is a clear demand to find high-performing, recyclable, and renewable alternatives. In this contribution, we describe a range of fully bio-based polyesters obtained upon the polycondensation of the lignin-derived bicyclic diol 4,4′-methylenebiscyclohexanol (MBC) with various cellulose-derived diesters. Interestingly, the use of MBC in combination with either dimethyl terephthalate (DMTA) or dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFD) resulted in polymers with industrially relevant glass transition temperatures in the 103-142 °C range and high decomposition temperatures (261-365 °C range). Since MBC is obtained as a mixture of three distinct isomers, in-depth NMR-based structural characterization of the MBC isomers and thereof derived polymers is provided. Moreover, a practical method for the separation of all MBC isomers is presented. Interestingly, clear effects on the glass transition, melting, and decomposition temperatures, as well as polymer solubility, were evidenced with the use of isomerically pure MBC. Importantly, the polyesters can be efficiently depolymerized by methanolysis with an MBC diol recovery yield of up to 90%. The catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of the recovered MBC into two high-performance specific jet fuel additives was demonstrated as an attractive end-of-life option.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2819-2829 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 20 Feb 2023 |
Keywords
- fully bio-based polyesters
- good recyclability
- good thermal properties
- high-energy-density jet fuels
- lignin-derived diol
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering(all)
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Fields of Expertise
- Advanced Materials Science