LAUSR

In this study, the effect of thermal aging on the physical transitions, crystalline structure development and the mechanical performance of furan-ester, multiblock copolymers is reported. The materials were synthesized via polycondensation in a melt using 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and dimerized fatty acid diol (FADD). All reagents were plant-derived. The copolymers were characterized by a multiblock structure with randomly distributed poly(trimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PTF) and FADD segments and a phase separation forced by the crystallization of the rigid segment. As a consequence, the copolymers revealed elastomeric behavior and a rubbery plateau over a relatively large temperature range and also good processability. However, due to the specific architecture of FDCA – the most important bio-based monomer – the crystallization of the rigid segment was impeded. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle (WAXS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses confirmed a significant development in the crystalline structure due to the thermal treatment. As a consequence, noticeable changes in the mechanical performance of the copolymer samples were observed, which is interesting for potential applications of these new materials.