J. Dennis, Joshua S. Enokida, T. Long
Dec 7, 2015
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Influential Citations
24
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Journal
Macromolecules
Abstract
Melt polycondensation of decahydronaphthalate dimethyl ester with various diols enabled the synthesis of novel polyesters containing hydrogenated naphthalene rings. Decahydronaphthalene-containing polyesters demonstrated thermal stabilities above 350 °C, and compression molding provided ductile, optically clear films. 1H NMR spectroscopy confirmed transesterification, and intrinsic viscosity measurements verified high molecular weights. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed structure–property relationships for glass transition temperatures (Tg) and β-relaxations. Melt rheology examined the effect of chemical structure on flow behavior, and time–temperature superposition revealed two distinct transitions, which correlated to the Tg and chain disentanglement. Furthermore, evaluation of the fractional free volume and flow activation energies suggested a structural dependence associated with regularity along the polymer backbone.