LAUSR

Abstract The synthesis of a biobased aliphatic polyester, poly(hexamethylene sebacate) (PE 6-10) via esterification and alcoholysis reactions steps by reactive extrusion is reported. The overall reaction time was decreased down to around 14 minutes instead of roughly 360 minutes in a classical batch reactor. A number average molar mass of 21,100 g.mol-1 has been reached. The operating conditions were first optimized through batch reactors syntheses. More specifically, two catalysts have been selected: para-toluenesulphonic acid (PTSA), essential for carrying out the esterification in a time compatible with extrusion residence time, and n-butylhydroxyoxostannane (BuSnOOH) necessary for the activation of alcoholysis reactions. The reactive extrusion process may therefore be very promising for the research and development of new polyesters and copolyesters in a fast and flexible continuous process.