Polyester Hydroxy Ether Terpolymers From Lactide And Bisphenol-A Derivatives

Title:	Polyester Hydroxy Ether Terpolymers From Lactide And Bisphenol-A Derivatives
Case #	279
Inventors:	Dennis Smith, Nilmini Abayasinghe
Summary:	Polylactide is a biodegradable polymer derived from 100% renewable resources with its uses limited to biomedical applications due to its low glass transition temperature (~60°C). We have demonstrated that lactide can be copolymerized with 4, 4'-hexafluroisopropyllidenediphenol (6F-Bis-A) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) using crown ether complexes to obtain a terpolymer with higher glass transition temperature (80°C). The terpolymers have potential ability to replace petroleum based plastics in commodity applications. Furthermore, the copolymers can be prepared in solution at very high solid content thereby allowing the fabrication of relatively thick films (2-20 micron) to obtain a transparent tough films. This invention describes the synthesis of novel lactide based copolymer with higher upper use temperature. Here we want to increase the glass transition temperature and the hydrolytic stability of the PLA based terpolymer by copolymerizing with fluorine containing monomers. The surface energy of a polymer is related to the functional groups which gather at its surface, and fluorinated groups are known to produce polymers with low surface energy. Therefore the hydrophilic stability of the polymer can be increased by modifying the polymer with fluorine groups. This was achieved by copolymerizing with fluorine containing monomers. Lactide based terpolymers of this type with glass transition temperatures up to 80°C are not known previously. As these polymers are derived from renewable resources it will eliminate problems associated with petroleum based plastics.
Applications:	Primary use in commodity plastic applications such as uses in packaging materials, fibers and coatings.
Patent Status:	Patent application has been filed. Detailed information must be provided under a confidential disclosure agreement. Please download the confidential disclosure form and mail the completed form to: Vincie Albritton, Marketing Director Clemson University 223 Brackett Hall Clemson, SC 29634-5705 PH: 864-656-5708 FAX: 864-656-0474 Email: valbrit@clemson.edu
Licensing:	The technology is available for non-exclusive or exclusive field of use licensing.
Contact:	For more information about this technology, please contact: Vincie Albritton, Associate Director Phone: (864) 656-5708 Fax: (864) 656-0474 email: valbrit@clemson.edu or Janet Dillon, Project Administrator Phone: (864) 656-4237 Fax: (864) 656-0474 email: gjanet@clemson.edu Note: Don't forget to include the technology number in your emails!