A series of poly(?-hydroxyl tetradecanoic acid)s,  P(?-OHC14)s, were synthesized using titanium tetraisopropoxide (Ti[OiPr]4) as a catalyst from methyl w-hydroxytetradecanoic acid (?-OHC14), a new monomer available by a fermentation process using an engineered Candida tropicalis strain. Physico-mechanical properties of these new bioplastics with Mw ranging from 53K to 140K were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermomechanical analysis, rheological and tensile testing. Influences of P(?-OHC14) molecular weight, melting point, and enthalpies of melting/crystallization on material properties were explored and comparisons between HDPE and P(?-OHC14) in mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties  were discussed.

Yeast-derived poly([omega]-hydroxyl tetradecanoic acid): Molecular weight effects on chain entanglement and bioplastics properties

244th National Meeting (2012)

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