Abstract

ABSTRACTThe enzyme catalyzed polymerization of flame retardant (FR) polymers from the renewable resource 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) ethanol (HPE), commonly known as tyrosol, is presented. The synthesis is environmentally friendly and requires only monomer, peroxidase catalyst, dilute hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water. Phenolic polymers are produced in short, one pot, high yield reactions that require minimal purification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H‐NMR analysis suggest the polymers are coupled through the 1, 2, 4, and 5 positions of the phenol ring and through the phenoxy substituent. Thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter show HPE homopolymers exhibit very low heat release rate and total heat release, while copolymerization with phenol increases already high char yields. Gel permeation chromatography reveals the molecular weight of the polymer increases with ethanol cosolvent concentration. The alcohol cosolvent also increases the proportion of oxyphenylene linkages to the detriment of FR properties. Preliminary quantitative structure–activity relationship toxicity modeling predicts the polymers are negative for developmental toxicity and Ames mutagenicity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45394.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.