Fully bio-based precursor for photocurable networks: synthesis and photopolymerization of furan-vegetable oil derivative

The development of fully bio-based photocurable resins represents a promising sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-derived materials. In this study, novel furan-based macromonomers were synthesized via a two-step synthetic route. The first step involved the transesterification of dimethyl 2,5-furandicarboxylate (DMFDCA) with dilinoleic diol (DD) using various catalysts, followed by methacrylation with methacryloyl chloride to introduce terminal vinyl functionalities. The chemical structures of the intermediates and final macromonomers were confirmed by 1 H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Rheological characterization was conducted to evaluate flow behavior and processability. Thermal properties and phase behavior were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealing an amorphous and flexible polymer architecture with thermally induced crosslinking at elevated temperatures. Photopolymerization kinetics were analyzed using photo-DSC with different type-I photoinitiators under controlled UV irradiation conditions, while network formation was further evaluated through gel fraction analysis of photocured samples prepared under ambient conditions. Additionally, cytocompatibility studies were performed to assess the potential suitability of the materials for biomedical applications. Overall, this systematic investigation provides valuable insights into the design and synthesis of renewable, photocurable furan-based materials for advanced biomedical applications and sustainable manufacturing.