POLYMERS FROM 1,4/3,6-DIANHYDROSORBITOL

1,4:3,6-Dianhydrosorbitol and several similar dioles are easily accessible by technical processes. They can be used for the the synthesis of high molecular polyesters, polyurethanes and polycarbonates. The thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained polymers are similar to that of the respective polymers obtained from usual petrochemical raw materials. Also unsaturated polyesters can be prepared and cured by usual methods. Some of the investigated aliphatic polyesters are suitable as polymeric plasticizers for polyvinylchloride. In conclusion, it is therefore possible to replace well known dioles on petrochemical basis by monomers which can be obtained from renewable sources like starch.