Utilization of bio‐sourced myrcene for efficient preparation of highly cis‐1,4 regular elastomer via a neodymium catalyzed copolymerization strategy

The depletion of fossil based chemicals and the associated pollution have presented huge challenges to sustainability. In this study, we report on bio‐available myrcene participating in copolymerization with isoprene and butadiene by using neodymium catalysts without disruption of the pristine polymer's properties. Efficient incorporation of myrcene into the copolymer was achieved with slightly retarded reactivity compared to the reactivities of butadiene and isoprene. Copolymerization of myrcene with hydroxyl myrcene still remained compatible with the catalyst systems when the cocatalyst was fed in excess, resulting in a novel type of full myrcene based functional elastomer. The high cis‐1,4 selectivity of the system maintained the same level as the homopolymerization. Significant affinity to polar substances was deduced from the remarkably reduced water contact angle, a strong indication of good compatibility with reinforcing fillers. All copolymers displayed over 93.2% cis‐1,4 regularity and high molecular weight with narrow Đ. Good resistance to low temperature was also achieved as indicated by the low glass transition temperature for all copolymers. This study verified that myrcene can be used as a sustainable monomer substituent for general diene based elastomer preparation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry Myrcene was copolymerized with butadiene, isoprene and hydroxyl myrcene to afford a new type of diene based copolymer; the properties of the copolymers are comparable or improved compared with polybutadiene and polyisoprene.