Synthesis and characterization of cross-linked polymer from cardanol by solvent-free grinding polymerization

By grinding cardanol and anhydrous FeCl3 powder using a glass pestle in a mortar at ambient and solvent-free condition, a novel cross-linked polymer from cardanol, a renewable resource, was synthesized in high yield up to 80% in 5 min. The products were characterized through UV–vis, FT-IR, and 1H NMR; and the solvent-free grinding polymerization was consisted of Friedel–Crafts reaction, etherification reaction, and oxidative coupling reaction. The effect of these different techniques on spectral, thermal, optical, electrical, and morphological properties of polycardanol were investigated.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Polycardanol can be synthesized by grinding cardanol and FeCl3 in high yield. ► The solvent-free grinding polymerization is consisted of three reactions. ► The polycardanol has high thermostability and shows blue emission (406 nm).