Synthesis and characterization of bio-based polyesters derived from 1,10-decanediol

Two kinds of bio-based polyesters were synthesized from 1,10-decanediol (DD), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) or 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (NDCA). Chemical structure, thermal properties and crystal structures, tensile properties and rheological properties were investigated. The glass transition temperature and melting temperature of poly(decamethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PDN) are higher than that of poly(decamethylene terephthalate) (PDT). Differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction results suggested that PDT and PDN were semi-crystalline polymers. Equilibrium melting points of PDT and PDN were 129.5 degrees C and 167.1 degrees C, respectively. Compared with PDT, PDN exhibited the higher tensile strength (36.8 MPa) and lower elongation at break (224%) and the complex viscosity of PDN is more sensitive to temperature and oscillation frequency. Compared with the current available bio-based plastic poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), PDT and PDN exhibit higher melting temperature, faster crystallization rate and comparable tensile properties.