Molecular Weight Measurement of Biobased Furan Polyamides via Non- Aqueous Potentiometric Titration.

摘要

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has increased the use of polymers due to their lightweight nature and high performance in composite materials, body armor, and military vehicles. Unfortunately, traditional polymers are petroleum-derived, thus creating supply chain vulnerability. The DOD is looking to replace these petroleum-based polymers with less costly and more 'eco-friendly' alternatives. This research seeks to develop furan-based polymers as bio-based alternatives to nylon, Nomex, Kevlar, and other high- performance polyamides. U.S. Army Research Laboratory researchers have synthesized bio-/furan-based polyamides. Characterizations of these polymers are difficult because of their insolubility in most solvents. This work examines the use of potentiometric titration to measure the concentration of amine and carboxylic acid groups to enable measurement of the number-average molecular weight of these polymers. The method was established by conducting a series of sample titrations using the monomers and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine; succinic acid; 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid; and adipic acid (0.100 g) in various solvents.