Synthesis and properties of water-resistant poly(glucaramides)

Replacing nonrenewable polymers with renewable ones is desirable for packaging applications. For this purpose, a number of poly(glucaramides) were synthesized and tested for applications requiring water resistance. The polymers were prepared from the polycondensation of esterified glucaric acid and a diamine, the former being obtained from the oxidation of glucose, thus providing a renewable source for the monomer. Poly(glucaramides) were prepared with up to a 74% yield. The polymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),H-1 and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The poly(glucaramides) were tested for their usefulness by incorporating them into pressed fiber-reinforced composite panels. Two poly(glucaramides) were chosen for further testing. These imparted a detectable degree of water resistance to the panels. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.