Novel and Advanced Bio-Based Engineering Elastomers and Biodegradable Elastomers

Bio-based polymer products derived from annually renewable agricultural and biomass feedstock have become increasingly important as sustainable and eco-efficient products which can replace the products based exclusively on petroleum feedstock. Within this framework, the concept of bio-based engineeing elastomer (BEE) is proposed and demonstrated here as a practical solution. Further, large-scaled bio-based monomers, such as sebacic acid, itaconic acid, succinate acid, 1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol were chosen to generate the synthetic BEE matrices through melting polycondensation and radical polymerization, which are linear and noncrystalline copolyesters and itaconate copolymers with low glass transition temperature (T_g) and crosslinkable groups. The nanoparticles such as silica and carbon black were then introduced into the BEE matrices to successfully realize the great strengthening and improved environmental stability. Chemical crosslinks through crosslinkable groups of BEE macromolecules and curing agent such as peroxide endowed the BEE with both necessary high elasticity, low crystallinity and required environmental stability. The acquired BEE demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, such as an ultimate tensile strength of 20MPa, and advanced comprehensive performance. What’s more, as many tissues in the body have elastomeric properties, successful replacement or tissue engineering of pathological parts require the development of compliant biodegradable elastomeric scaffolds that readily recover from relatively large deformations. Our research group prepared several novel biodegradable elastomers based on biocompatible acid and alcohol. Besides, the nano-hydroxyapatite, nano-silica and carbon-nanotube were separately incorporated into these elastomers. The results showed that these polyester typed biodegradable elastomers displayed excellent elasticity and adjustable biodegradation capability and fine biocompatibility. Plasticized starch was also investigated and found to possess low modulus and high biocompatibility. Consequently, foamed plasticized starch/PVA was prepared, which illustrated extremely good cell-compatibility.