Poly(glycerol-co-diacids) Polyesters: From Glycerol Biorefinery to Sustainable Engineering Applications, A Review

Upgrading of biobased glycerol to commercial products is a necessary step on sustainable development of oleaginous biomass biorefining. The synthesis of poly(glycerol-co-diacid) polyester materials is an attractive option for glycerol usage that can produce a wide range of products of commercial interest. These polymeric materials could be used on industrial applications as biomedical devices, surfactants and in thermoplastic material development. In this review, the process engineering aspects leading to tailorable polymeric products are comprehensively analyzed with emphasis on control of molecular architecture and functionality. Molecular weight, degree of branching, mechanical properties and surface chemistry of the materials can be controlled by fine-tuning synthesis procedures to match custom specifications in end products. Potential usage of poly(glycerol-co-diacid) materials with tailored physicochemical properties on industrially relevant applications is presented. Advantages and challenges in the synthesis of these novel polymeric materials for value added application are addressed and discussed.