Synthesis and Application of Bio-Based Polyesters and Poly(ester amide)s

This cumulative habilitation deals with the utilization of bio-based building blocks as monomers for polymer applications. A focus is placed on the development of novel polymeric materials with unprecedented properties that cannot be achieved with building blocks derived from petrochemical resources. As main classes of materials thermoplastic poly(ester amide)s and UV-curing polyesters derived from itaconic acid as alternative to acrylic acid were investigated. In addition, further applicability of these building blocks as monomers for aqueous polyurethane dispersions was investigated.
The scientific publications on which this thesis is based are the result of research projects carried out at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI over the last 10 years under direction of the author of this thesis. The main motivation behind the research work presented herein, was to develop polymeric materials derived from renewable raw materials with the potential to replace petrochemical materials. Therefore, commercially relevant monomers were chosen and compatible properties were targeted to develop bio-based alternatives that could compete on the mid-term with commercial materials.