  This paper aimed at obtaining cross-linked polymeric materials of biomass
origin. For this purpose one-pot polyesterification of methyl ricinoleate and
methyl 12-hydroxystearate using titanium isopropoxide as a catalyst has been
performed leading to polyesters known as estolides. The obtained estolides were
successfully cross-linked using dicumyl peroxide or a sulfur vulcanization
system. The so-formed bio-based elastomers appeared to exhibit promising
properties. The latter were analyzed by mechanical tensile tests and thermal
techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA) and showed high thermal stability (T5% = 205-318
{\textdegree}C) and tailored physico-mechanical properties (low glass
transition temperature in the range from-2 69 to-54 {\textdegree}C) and good
tensile strength (0.11-0.40 MPa). Networks prepared from high molecular weight
estolides appear to be promising bio-based elastomers. Practical applications :
The vegetable oil-based estolides described in this contribution, are new fully
bio-based precursors for further elastomers synthesis. The resulting estolide
networks (obtained by peroxide or sulfur cross-linking) exhibit tailored
thermo-mechanical properties.
