Cross-Linking of Polyesters Based on Fatty Acids

This study aims at obtaining cross-linked polymeric materials of biomass origin. For this purpose, one-pot polyesterification of methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12-hydroxystearate using titanium isopropoxide as a catalyst is performed leading to polyesters known as estolides. The obtained estolides are successfully cross-linked using dicumyl peroxide or a sulfur vulcanization system. The so-formed bio-based elastomers appear to exhibit promising properties. The latter are analyzed by mechanical tensile tests and thermal techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA) and show high thermal stability (T-5% = 205-318 degrees C), tailored physico-mechanical properties (low glass transition temperature in the range from -69 to -54 degrees C), and good tensile strength (0.11-0.40 MPa). Networks prepared from high molecular weight estolides appear to be promising bio-based elastomers. Practical Applications: The vegetable oil-based estolides described in this contribution are new fully bio-based precursors for further elastomers synthesis. The resulting estolide networks (obtained by peroxide or sulfur cross-linking) exhibit tailored thermo-mechanical properties.