Synthesis of Linear Polyesters from Monomers Based on 1,18‑(Z)‑Octadec-9-enedioic Acid and Their Biodegradability

A new family of bio-based linear polyesters from oleic acid was developed by a bulk polymerization process. First, efficient chemical pathways were selected to synthesize three monomer derivatives from 1,18-(Z)-octadec-9-enedioic acid, allowing the synthesis of four polyesters that differ by the number of double bonds along the polymer backbone. After the analysis of the structure of the polymers, their thermal properties and their biodegradability were investigated. It was shown that the melting temperature of the polyesters increased with the decrease in the unsaturation content in the repeat units of the polymers and they have very low glass-transition temperatures. A biodegradation process was also highlighted for poly­(1,18-(Z)-octadec-9-enylene 1,18-(Z)-octadec-9-enedioate) and poly­(1,18-octadecylene 1,18-octadecanedioate). Based on their thermal features, these biodegradable polyesters can represent an alternative of the synthetic polymers derived from petroleum hydrocarbons, such as low-density polyethylene.