Progress in preparation and structure-property relationship of bio-based polyesters of isohexides

As a family of diols derived from carbohydrates, isohexides are promising building blocks for preparation of new bio-based and biodegradable polymers due to their attractive properties including high rigidity, chirality, hydrophilicity and low toxicity. In this review, a few types of isohexide-based aliphatic and semi-aromatic homo- and co-polyesters extensively studied in recent years were systematically discussed in terms of their synthesis, thermal properties, physical properties, biodegradability and potential applications. Furthermore, the polymerization process for higher efficiency and the structure-property relationship of these polyesters were also examined. It can be concluded that the introduction of isohexides building blocks effectively increases the glass transition temperature of polymers and promote the ability of hydrolysis and biodegradation, thus offering great potential in the construction of environmentally friendly polyesters which are expected to be used in engineering plastics, fibers, biomedical fields, and so on. It is pointed out that the large-scale commercialization of such bio-based polyesters requires further development of more efficient and mild polymerization process to overcome the problems in heat sensitivity and thermal degradation. © 2021, Periodical Agency of Journal of Textile Research. All right reserved.