Facile Synthesis of Biomass-Derived Degradable Poly(ketal-ester) Elastomers Using Dual-Acidic Catalysts

Abstract

Degradable polymers using biomass feedstock have been severely researched to deal with the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. Herein, mechanical robust linear-type poly(ketal-ester)s with fast degradable features were successfully achieved from a bioderived precursor (levulinic acid). For regulating polymer architecture as linear, the dual-acidic metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst was utilized in polymerization, and the high-molecular weight of linear poly(ketal-ester)s were synthesized. Moreover, these poly(ketal-ester)s exhibit not only superior thermal and mechanical properties as elastomers but also fast degradation kinetics and recyclability. Resulting poly(ketal-ester)s are expected to be applied in next-generation elastomeric materials to replace petrochemical functional coating products. This study was expected to provide thoughtful insights into supramolecular commodities production from biomass feedstock.