16. A Survey of Various 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid-Based Renewable Polyesters

The limited fossil resources availability and their consumption for the production of plastics and other petroleum products have severe environmental impacts due to carbon emissions and incredibly long degradation time. 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)-based polyesters have the potential to supplant petroleum-based plastics, especially for packaging applications. Derived from biomass, FDCA-based polyesters are renewable and more environment friendly. This study provides an overview on synthesis methodologies, novel catalysts used and the properties of polyesters produced using different di-alcohols. The study focuses on the comparison between mechanical and thermal properties of each system, and in turn this provides an insight into tunable nature of FDCA-based polyesters which can then be optimized for its end application. A summary on the biodegradability studies performed gives a direction for the future research in this area to maximize the eco-friendliness of FDCA-based bio-plastics and make it as a viable option.