In this study, we describe a series of semi-aromatic polyesters prepared from coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids that exhibit diverse mechanical properties. AB monomers were synthesized through the reaction of the phenolic alcohol with cyclic carbonates. Each of these starting materials can be derived from lignin and other biosources. The total synthesis was evaluated using Ecofactor and E-scale which suggests that these reactions are exceptionally eco-friendly. Polycondensation of these monomers yielded semicrystalline and amorphous polymers with a diverse range of properties including ductile thermoplastics, strong and rigid thermoplastics, and a series of thermoplastic polyester elastomers with shape memory, of which there are few biobased examples reported. The mechanical properties of the polymers varied, with strain at break ranging from 0.6% to 950% and Young’s moduli ranging from 2.8 MPa to 2400 MPa. Subsequent composting respirometry studies were performed on a several of these polyesters showing both degradable and nondegradable polymers that may provide a guideline for backbone architectures designed for compostability.

Synthesis and characterization of semi-aromatic biobased polyesters exhibiting diverse mechanical properties

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