Synthesis and selected properties of ester elastomer containing sorbitol

Abstract

The aim of this work was synthesizing ester elastomers, using sorbitol as a monomer obtainable from renewable sources. Three polymers were synthesized, utilizing three different polycondensation times. Their mechanical and thermal properties were examined and compared. Poly(sorbitol sebacate-co-butylene sebacate) elastomers were synthesized as a result of polycondensation reaction, using sebacic acid, butylene glycol and sorbitol as monomers. Resulting materials had good mechanical properties and a cross-linked structure. Such elastomers are susceptible to hydrolytic degradation which has been confirmed in earlier studies. This paper shows that the material synthesized utilizing a 3.5 h polycondensation time has the most desirable mechanical and thermal properties, and the reaction is characterized by the highest degree of conversion of substrates.