1,3-Propanediol and its application in bio-based polyesters for resin applications

Polyester resins are important raw materials for a myriad of applications especially in the field of coatings and radical curing polymers, such as wood and powder coatings, molding compounds, and UV-curing applications. In addition, polyols derived from polyester resins are precursors for the synthesis of polyurethanes and polycarbonates. Besides dicarboxylic acid, diols are used as monomers in these polyesters. To date most of the diols utilized are derived from petrochemical feedstock. To increase the bio-based content of polyester resins, novel diols derived from renewable resources are of special interest. In this respect, 1,3-propanediol has drawn considerable attention over the last years. It is accessible via microbial fermentation of glucose from starch at a competitive price in sufficient amounts. Therefore, 1,3-propanediol could be a valuable alternative to petrochemical diols, such as 1,6-hexanediol and neopentylglycol, which are currently used as diols in most resin applications. This article gives a brief overview over the utilization of 1,3-propanediol in high molecular weight polyesters for plastic application followed by a more detailed discussion of the most relevant work in the field of polyester resins derived from 1,3-propanediol.