A simple method was developed to prepare from Candida tropicalis fermentations 14-hydroxytetradecanoic acid in high purity (>99.95%). This monomer was converted to poly(14-hydroxytetradecanoic acid) (Tm = 96 oC, Mw=160 000, PDI=2.3) using Ti(C3H7O)4 as catalyst (200 oC, 2 h under N2, 220 oC, 4 h under vacuum [<0.1torr]). After compression molding, tensile tests showed that the polymer has a Young's modulus of 419�20 Mpa and elongation to break of 729�21%. Reactive blending of poly(w-hydroxyfatty acids) with Natureworks PLA produced bioplastics with very good strength and ductility.

Biobased poly([omega]-hydroxyfatty acids): Synthesis, physico-mechanical properties and blends

241st National Meeting (2011)

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