Synthesis of bio-based polymers from epoxidised fatty acids
Publication Date
July 29, 2026
Creator
Abstract
The transition from petrochemical feedstocks to renewable carbon motivates the adoption of new routes to functional polymers that are scalable, tuneable, and compatible with industrial constraints. This thesis develops a unified platform that enables the use of bio-derived, unsaturated fatty acids to produce polyesters and polyethers via epoxidation and ring-opening polymerisation under comparatively mild, air- and moisture-tolerant conditions. The transformation of these unsaturated fatty acids into monomers amenable to polymerisation offers access to polymers with high structural diversity, whilst avoiding traditional petroleum sources.
Central to this work is the relationship between monomer structure, reaction pathway, and resulting polymer properties. Particular attention is given to the influence of polymer side-chain architecture on thermal stability, solubility across a wide range of solvents, and glass transition behaviour. By establishing structure-property relationships, a rational design of materials with tuneable performance characteristics is possible.
In parallel, the synthetic methods developed in this work prioritise atom economy, adaptability to varied feedstocks, and process simplicity. The practicality of procedures to industrial scale-up is considered when considering reaction design.
Together, the findings presented in this thesis demonstrate the feasibility of the polymer platform developed to convert renewable fatty acids into functional polymeric materials using accessible and adaptable processes.
Item Type
ethesis
Thesis Type
PhD
Subjects (LC)
Associated Schools / Departments
School of Chemistry
eprints ID
83059
UoN Repository URI
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Synthesis of bio-based polymers from epoxidised fatty acids_Morgan Reynolds-Green_corrections_2025_12_19.pdf
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