Microwave-Assisted Polyesterification Process in Bulk and Aqueous Media

Abstract

Microwave irradiation in polymer chemistry is an emerging research field. This type of heating can enhance the rate of reaction and improve the specific characteristics of the formed polymer. In this context, the present paper focuses on selective microwave (MW) heating and its influence on the polyesterification reaction. As a reaction model, the polyesterification of sebacic acid with decanediol, in bulk and in aqueous emulsion is investigated. The reaction was catalyzed by using 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), which plays a catalytic and surfactant role. Both in bulk and in aqueous media, a polyester with higher molecular weight is obtained in MW heating compared to the conventional heating.

Enzymatic Poly(octamethylene suberate) Synthesis by a Two-Step Polymerization Method Based on the New Greener Polymer-5B Technology

“…The peaks at 2858 and 2929 cm −1 correspond to the symmetrical stretching vibration of -CH 2 groups in the monomers and polyesters. The characteristic bands of the ester carbonyl group appeared at 1726 cm −1 , and the -C-O-C-peak appeared around 1232 cm −1 [34,35]. The FTIR spectrum of the polyester illustrated the absence of a detectable band at 1683 cm −1 from the -C=O stretching vibration of carboxylic acid groups and the -OH band at 3360 cm −1 , confirming a high degree of conversion.…”