Abstract
High Tg amorphous copolyester thermoplastics were synthesized by incorporating 4,4′-bibenzoate (4,4′BB) and 3,4′-bibenzoate moieties into the polyester backbone via melt polycondensation. The high levels of crystallinity typically associated with 4,4′BB containing polyesters were suppressed through copolymerization of ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, and neopentyl glycol (NPG) diols. NPG was shown to be highly effective in suppressing crystallization and was used to produce amorphous compositions with Tg’s as high as 129 °C. Diol ratios were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and molecular weights were assessed with inherent viscosity (ηinh). Thermogravimetric analysis showed single-step weight losses in the range of 395–419 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine melting points and glass transition temperatures over a wide range of copolyester compositions and identified amorphous compositions. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed Tg’s and was used to study β-relaxations below the Tg. Rheological analysis revealed the effect of NPG structures on shear thinning and thermal stability.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2018 Jan 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- amorphous
- bibenzoate
- calorimetry
- cyclohexanedimethanol
- neopentyl glycol
- polyester
- rheology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Polymers and Plastics
- Organic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry