Synthesis of Fluoro-Functional Biobased Polycarbonates with Superior Comprehensive Performance for Potential 5G Communication Applications

Abstract

A persistent challenge in the development of biobased materials is to balance sustainability with robust mechanical properties and specific functionalities. In this context, the present study provides a structure-guided functionalization strategy that offers a viable route toward this goal by integrating the introduction of functional groups into biobased feedstocks with precise control over polymer architecture. Specifically, a novel fluorinated biobased bisphenol monomer was synthesized. Its high steric bulk and fluorinated nature effectively reduce the material’s dielectric constant and enhance hydrophobicity, thereby broadening the functional application scope of biobased polymers. Furthermore, by designing a terpolymer system incorporating rigid, semirigid, and flexible segments, a substantial increase in toughness was achieved without significantly compromising thermal stability. The resulting material exhibits a tensile strength of 51.5 MPa, an elongation at break of 75%, a low dielectric constant of 2.48 at 1 MHz, and a water contact angle of 90°. This work demonstrates that combining sterically demanding fluorinated monomers with a synergistic rigid-flexible architecture provides an effective pathway for functionalizing biobased materials and toughening high-performance polymers.