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Abstract

The disclosure generally provides high-molecular-weight thermoplastic polyester-based urethanes (TPEUs). In some embodiments, the component monomers of the TPEUs are entirely derived from renewable sources. The disclosure also provides methods of making high-molecular-weight TPEUs, and, in particular, methods for achieving such high molecular weights. The disclosure also provides certain uses of such TPEUs. Entirely lipid-derived segmented thermoplastic TPEU elastomers with rubber-like properties such as low modulus and high elongation were produced by incorporating 1,9-nonanediol (ND) as chain extender with oleic acid derived polyester diols (PEDs) and 1,7-heptamethylene diisocyanate (HPMDI). Enhanced elastomeric properties were achieved by optimizing hydrogen bond density and phase separation of the TPEU via customized polymerization protocols. The novel TPEUs showed extensive degradation under hydrothermal ageing in water at 80° C. and achieved a tensile half-life in one day of immersion. For the first time, entirely lipid-derived TPEU elastomers with thermal and mechanical properties comparable to commercially available petroleum-based analogues and a controlled life-cycle were achieved, demonstrating the viability of potential alternatives to petroleum-derived elastomers and credible potential in biomedical applications especially as bio-resorbable implants or tissue scaffolds.

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