Itaconic Acid As An Alternative for Synthesis of Rubbers

With extensive interest in sustainable development, the chemical industry is making great attempts to replace petrochemical-based monomers with natural ones. It is strategically important to revise the current synthesis methodology of polymers using renewable resources. We intended to synthesis a novel elastomer, which should possesses high molecular weight, low glass transition temperature (T_g) and comprehensive mechanical properties based on renewable monomers. Itaconic acid is now sold at a price of about US$2/kg with a worldwide productivity of over 100,000 tons. A novel cross-linkable, high molecular weight poly(di-isoamyl itaconate-co-isoprene) (PDII) elastomer was prepared by emulsion polymerization based on itaconic acid, isoamyl alcohol, and isoprene. PDII with a number-average molecular weight of 352 000 and a glass transition temperature -39.5^oC was obtained when the mass ratio of di-isoamyl itaconate to isoprene was 80/20. Reactivity ratios of di-isoamyl itaconate and isoprene was calculated and silica was used to reinforce PDII elastomer. The tensile strength of silica reinforced PDII could achieve 11 MPa, and elongation at break was above 400%.