The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

In response to increasing demands for sustainability and reduced reliance on fossil resources, this study reports the development of an eco-friendly thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer synthesized from chemically recycled and bio-based monomers. The hard segments consist of recycled aromatic dicarboxylic acid esters and bio-based aliphatic diols, while the soft segments incorporate polytrimethylene ether glycol and isosorbide–alkylene glycol derivatives. This design enables control over melting temperatures, supporting various molding processes. The resulting TPEE exhibits stable tensile strength and elongation, ensuring consistent mechanical performance. The synthesis is compatible with conventional melt polycondensation, allowing integration into existing production lines. These results demonstrate the potential of this TPEE as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, offering both excellent processability and suitability for industrial applications.