Polybutylene terephthalate modified with dimer acid methyl ester derived from fatty acid methyl esters and its use as a hot‐melt adhesive

ABSTRACT A series of polyester copolymers was synthesized via melt polycondensation of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), dimethyl isophthalate (DMI), and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) with dimer acid methyl ester (DAME) monomers, previously prepared by the Diels–Alder reaction of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). We obtained copolymers with the desired composition and a high molar mass characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, and SEC. The relationship among the composition, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and adhesion properties of these copolymers was examined, demonstrating that the DAME‐modified copolymers could be substituted for HMA applications and are comparable to petroleum‐based commercial products. As a result, these polyesters could offer improved sustainability and performance and may be good candidates for hot‐melt adhesive materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48474. A Hot‐melt adhesive polyester from waste vegetable oil