Evaluation of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid as Building Block for Unsaturated Polyester Resins

Abstract

This article presents partially bio-based unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Three different FDCA-based resins are prepared, which are potentially suited as i) general purpose resin (composed of 1,2-propylene glycol), ii) resin for pultrusion (composed of diethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol), and iii) resin for pipe liners (composed of neopentyl glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol). The mechanical and thermal properties of the bio-based UPR are systematically investigated and compared with analogous fossil-based UPR composed of phthalic and isophthalic acid, signaling comparable or even better properties for the bio-based resins depending on the application targeted.