Fully bio-based polymer blend of polyamide 11 and Poly(vinylcatechol) showing thermodynamic miscibility and excellent engineering properties

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2019-10, Vol.181, p.121667, Article 121667
• Main Authors: Hirai, Takayuki, Kawada, Jumpei, Narita, Mamiko, Ikawa, Taiji, Takeshima, Hisaaki, Satoh, Kotaro, Kamigaito, Masami
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additives; Bio-based polymer; Biopolymers; Bonding strength; Engineering; Glass transition temperature; Homogeneity; Hydrogen bonding; Miscibility; Morphology; Organic chemistry; poly(vinylcatechol); Polyamide 11; Polyamide resins; Polyamides; Polymer blend; Polymer blends; Polystyrene; Polystyrene resins; Submerging; Temperature; Transition temperatures
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121667

Fully bio-based polyamide 11 (PA11) and poly(vinylcatechol) (PVCa) blends prepared by melt mixing demonstrate thermodynamic miscibility and excellent engineering properties. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PA11 increases upon blending with PVCa; an 85/15 wt% PA11/PVCa blend exhibits a Tg 23–26 °C higher than that of PA11 devoid of additives. Morphological observations revealed that the PA11/PVCa blends do not phase-separate, confirming the homogeneity of PA11 and PVCa. Good chemical resistance of the PA11/PVCa blends was confirmed, with the blends resisting morphological changes even after immersion in methanol, which is a good solvent for PVCa. Tensile testing revealed that the PA11/PVCa blends have higher moduli and strengths than PA11. A PA11/nonpolar polystyrene blend was also examined by the same experimental procedure, which revealed that strong hydrogen bonding between PA11 and PVCa is the primary reason for the miscibility and excellent performance of PA11/PVCa blends. [Display omitted] •Bio-based polymer blends of polyamide 11 and poly(vinyl catechol) are prepared.•Thermodynamic miscibility is observed, with Tg shifting and a smooth surface.•Blending polyamide 11 with 15 wt% poly(vinyl catechol) increases the Tg by 26 °C.•The tensile properties and flowability are also improved by blending.