Dear Christian Everett, I think the answer is yes. The presence of cyclic sequences in the main backbone make the chains stiffer, something that increases crystallinity, melting and glass transitions temperatures, and the elastic modulus. The polyester counterpart of such monomers are more investigated. Isomerism plays a crucial role in such polymers, which usually find interest as transparent composites. My Regards
"Yes, a polymer composed of cis-trans 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylate (likely referring to a derivative of cyclohexane with carboxylate functional groups) and 1,4-cis-trans cyclohexane diamine would likely be inherently elastic, due to the following reasons:
Flexibility of Cyclohexane Rings: The cyclohexane ring is known for its ability to adopt flexible conformations. This flexibility is crucial in the formation of polymers that exhibit elasticity. The presence of both cis and trans isomeric forms of the cyclohexane units would likely contribute to the ability of the polymer to deform and return to its original shape, as the rings can easily undergo conformational changes under stress.
Amide or Ester Linkages: The polymer would likely form amide or ester linkages between the cyclohexane dicarboxylate and diamine units, depending on the reaction conditions. Both types of linkages can have significant flexibility, contributing to the polymer's overall elasticity.
Intermolecular Forces: The cis-trans isomerism can lead to varying degrees of molecular packing and potentially reduce rigid crystalline ordering, making the polymer less brittle and more capable of exhibiting elastic behavior.
Chain Mobility: The alternating cis-trans configuration along the polymer backbone provides sites for chain mobility, which is a key characteristic of elastic materials. This mobility allows the polymer chains to stretch and return to their original shape, contributing to its inherent elasticity.
Thus, the structure of this polymer, with its combination of flexible cyclohexane rings and potential for conformational mobility, should allow it to exhibit elastic properties under mechanical stress."