Preparation and mechanical properties of a copolycarbonate composed of bio-based isosorbide and bisphenol A

Abstract

A series of copolycarbonates were prepared by transesterification polymerization of isosorbide, bisphenol A and diphenylcarbonate using several catalysts. The copolymers with the highest molecular weights were obtained using N,N-dimethylaminopyridine as a catalyst. The storage moduli of the polymers ranged from 2.3 to 3.5 GPa at 25 °C, and the tensile moduli were 1.7-2.6 GPa, increasing with the isosorbide content. The storage and tensile moduli of the polymers indicated that they could exhibit better strength than bisphenol A-based polycarbonates. These properties endow the polymers with potential for use as high-performance materials.