Study on polymerization of bio-based isosorbide monomethacrylate for the formation of low-Tg and high-Tg sustainable polymers

Isosorbide monomethacrylate (IMMA) is a biobased monomer that appears as a potential substitute for current petrobased methacrylates to prepare high-performance sustainable polymers by free-radical polymerization technique. However, as the molecular weight of polymers can markedly affect their physical, mechanical and processing properties, it is crucial to understand the nature of the processes that control the growing of IMMA based polymer chains. To this end, the free radical polymerizability of IMMA has been investigated in depth under various conditions (solvent, conversion rate, [IMMA]/[AIBN] ratio). This study, based on the determination of chain transfer constants using the Mayo method, highlighted the key role of monomer and solvent transfer reactions for controlling molecular weight of PIMMA (CtrM = 5.0x10-4 ; CtrS (DMSO) = 4.0x10-4; CtrS (DMF) = 5.0x10-4; CtrS (Isopropanol/dioxane (1:6)) = 1.0x10-3). Knowing the parameters governing the free radical polymerization of IMMA, PIMMA with tailored molecular weight (from 2100 to 80200 g.mol- 1) and Tg have been prepared and characterized. In particular, DSC analyses of PIMMA revealed the opportunity to prepare from low-Tg to high-Tg materials with different potential applications.

Automated summary

The study thoroughly investigated the free radical polymerizability of IMMA and highlighted the key parameters for controlling the molecular weight of PIMMA, including monomer and solvent transfer reactions. By understanding these parameters, PIMMA with tailored molecular weight and Tg could be prepared, offering the opportunity to create materials with different potential applications.