The extensive library of polyesters provides a strong platform for achieving advanced materials through selective structure design. From amorphous to semicrystalline, copolymerization of polyesters in a random or blocked structure enables enhanced properties and allows for expansion into unprecedented applications. For instance, utility of a saturated naphthalene dimethylester provides a unique monomeric unit for amorphous, high impact polyesters. The isomeric mixture prevents crystallization, and T<sub>g</sub>s approaching 120 °C illustrates its potential impact as a BPA-containing polycarbonate replacement. Furthermore, significant beta relaxations in the glassy regime suggests several local relaxations attributed to the decahydronaphthalate moiety and presents a mode for high energy dissipation. Other promising avenues include incorporation of polyester segments into high temperature thermoplastics (such as polysulfones, or polyimides) to improve solvent resistance. By copolymerizing functionalized oligomers with semicrystalline polyesters, enhanced chemical stability over amorphous homopolymers is achieved. Through systematic studies ranging from oligomer molecular weight to polyester selection, the development of structure-property relationships enables enhanced performance and new areas of discovery for polyesters.

Tailoring polyester structure for structure-property-performance relationships: From high impact to solvent resistance

250th National Meeting (2015)

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