Synthesis, kinetics, and characterization of bio-based thermosets obtained through polymerization of a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-based bis(2-oxazoline) with sebacic acid

The synthesis of renewable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-based cross-linked poly(ester amide)s via the polymerization of a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid based bis(2-oxazoline) monomer (2,5-bis(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)furan, 2,5-FDCAox) with sebacic acid is reported in this work. It is demonstrated that the amide groups in the 2,5-furandicarboxamide moiety are susceptible to participation in a branching reaction with 2-oxazoline rings. The corresponding enhanced reaction rate decreases the curing times for the preparation of cross-linked polymers compared to systems containing the isophthalic acid based alternative, 1,3-bis(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)benzene (IAox). The increased tendency to form branches or cross-links in 2,5-FDCAox based systems is attributed to the occurrence of intra-molecular hydrogen bonding of the 2,5-furandicarboxamide moiety. Such an intra-molecular hydrogen bond increases the nucleophilicity of the furanic amide group and makes it more susceptible to participation in an addition reaction with a 2-oxazoline ring. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the rate of the branching reaction can be enhanced by the addition of triphenyl phosphite as catalyst, resulting in a further decrease of the curing times of the poly(ester amide)s synthesized in this study. Preliminary coating studies indicate that 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid based cross-linked poly(ester amide)s synthesized via the 2-oxazoline ring opening addition reactions with dicarboxylic acids are good candidates for the development of fully renewable cross-linked poly(ester amide)s.