Furan-based polyesters represent a family of fully or partially bio-based polymers synthesized with 2

5- furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as the major monomer. Since the furan ring is rigid

the furan-based polyesters are highly comparable in structure and performance with the traditional fossil-based aromatic polyesters (e. g.

PET and PBT) which have been used in a large scale. It is thus potential to replace the traditional aromatic polyesters with the furan-based polyesters at least partially in bottles

sheets

films

fibers

etc. This paper reviews recent advances in the research on the furan-based polyesters

including the molecular structure

state of aggregation

mechanical

gas-barrier and degradation properties

as well as the relationship between them. Focus is on the outstanding gas-barrier performance of the furan- based polyesters and the relevant governing factors including the molecular structure (the asymmetric geometry and polarity of the furan ring) and the state of aggregation (such as crystallization). A brief introduction is also made on the state-of- the-art and potential applications of the furan-based polyesters in packages and textiles and an outlook is given in the research trend.