1
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Weng C, Ding Z, Qiu W, Wang B, Tang X. Achieving Exceptional Thermal and Hydrolytic Resistance in Chemically Circular Polyesters via In-Chain 1,3-Cyclobutane Rings. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401682. [PMID: 38587230 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Polyesters, a highly promising class of circular polymers for achieving a closed-loop sustainable plastic economy, inherently exhibit material stability defects, especially in thermal and hydrolytic instability. Here, we introduce a class of polyesters, P(4R-BL) (R=Ph, Bu), featuring conformationally rigid 1,3-cyclobutane rings in the backbone. These polyesters not only exhibit superior thermostability (Td,5%=376-380 °C) but also demonstrate exceptional hydrolytic resistance with good integrity even after 1 year in basic and acidic aqueous solutions, distinguishing themselves from typical counterparts. Tailoring the flexibility of the side group R enables the controlled thermal and mechanical performance of P(4Ph-BL) and P(4Bu-BL) to rival durable syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), respectively. Significantly, despite their high stability, both polyesters can be effectively depolymerized into pristine monomers, establishing a circular life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Weng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ding
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite & Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Weijie Qiu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite & Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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2
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Zhang D, Wang X, Zhang Z, Hadjichristidis N. Heteroatom Substitution Strategy Modulates Thermodynamics Towards Chemically Recyclable Polyesters and Monomeric Unit Sequence by Temperature Switching. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402233. [PMID: 38591713 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we proposed a heteroatom substitution strategy (HSS) in the δ-valerolactone (VL) system to modulate thermodynamics toward chemically recyclable polyesters. Three VL-based monomers containing different heteroatoms (M1 (N), M2 (S), and M3 (O)), instead of C-5 carbon, were designed and synthesized to verify our proposed HSS. All three monomers undergo organocatalytic living/controlled ROP and controllable depolymerization. Impressively, the resulting P(M1) achieved over 99 % monomer recovery under both mild solution depolymerization and high vacuum pyrolysis conditions without any side reactions, and the recycled monomers can be polymerized again forming new polymers. The systematic study of the relationship between heteroatom substitution and recyclability shows that introducing heteroatoms does change the thermodynamics of the monomers (ΔHp o, ΔSp o and Tc values), thereby adjusting the polymerizability and depolymerizability. DFT calculations found that the introduction of heteroatoms adjusts the ring strain by changing the angular strain of the monomers, and the order of their angular strain (M2>M1>M3) is consistent with the order of the experimentally obtained enthalpy change. Notably, the one-pot/one-step copolymerization of two of each of the three monomers enables the synthesis of sequence-controlled copolymers from gradient to random to block structures, by simply switching the copolymerization temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nikos Hadjichristidis
- Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, KAUST Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Meng XB, Zhou T, Yang C, Cheng XY, Wu XT, Shi C, Du FS, Li ZC. Thermally Stable and Chemically Recyclable Poly(ketal-ester)s Regulated by Floor Temperature. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:15428-15437. [PMID: 38795044 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Chemical recycling to monomers (CRM) offers a promising closed-loop approach to transition from current linear plastic economy toward a more sustainable circular paradigm. Typically, this approach has focused on modulating the ceiling temperature (Tc) of monomers. Despite considerable advancements, polymers with low Tc often face challenges such as inadequate thermal stability, exemplified by poly(γ-butyrolactone) (PGBL) with a decomposition temperature of ∼200 °C. In contrast, floor temperature (Tf)-regulated polymers, particularly those synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of macrolactones, inherently exhibit enhanced thermodynamic stability as the temperature increases. However, the development of those Tf regulated chemically recyclable polymers remains relatively underexplored. In this context, by judicious design and efficient synthesis of a biobased macrocyclic diester monomer (HOD), we developed a type of Tf -regulated closed-loop chemically recyclable poly(ketal-ester) (PHOD). First, the entropy-driven ROP of HOD generated high-molar mass PHOD with exceptional thermal stability with a Td,5% reaching up to 353 °C. Notably, it maintains a high Td,5% of 345 °C even without removing the polymerization catalyst. This contrasts markedly with PGBL, which spontaneously depolymerizes back to the monomer above its Tc in the presence of catalyst. Second, PHOD displays outstanding closed-loop chemical recyclability at room temperature within just 1 min with tBuOK. Finally, copolymerization of pentadecanolide (PDL) with HOD generated high-performance copolymers (PHOD-co-PPDL) with tunable mechanical properties and chemical recyclability of both components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Bin Meng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiang-Yue Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Changxia Shi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Du
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zi-Chen Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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4
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Wu XT, Yang C, Xi JS, Shi C, Du FS, Li ZC. Enabling Closed-Loop Circularity of "Non-Polymerizable" α, β-Conjugated Lactone Towards High-Performance Polyester with the Assistance of Cyclopentadiene. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202404179. [PMID: 38488293 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Chemical recycling of polymers to monomers presents a promising solution to the escalating crisis associated with plastic waste. Despite considerable progress made in this field, the primary efforts have been focused on redesigning new monomers to produce readily recyclable polymers. In contrast, limited research into the potential of seemingly "non-polymerizable" monomers has been conducted. Herein, we propose a paradigm that leverages a "chaperone"-assisted strategy to establish closed-loop circularity for a "non-polymerizable" α, β-conjugated lactone, 5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (DPO). The resulting PDPO, a structural analogue of poly(δ-valerolactone) (PVL), exhibits enhanced thermal properties with a melting point (Tm) of 114 °C and a decomposition temperature (Td,5%) of 305 °C. Notably, owing to the structural similarity between DPO and δ-VL, the copolymerization generates semi-crystalline P(DPO-co-VL)s irrespective of the DPO incorporation ratio. Intriguingly, the inherent C=C bonds in P(DPO-co-VL)s enable their convenient post-functionalization via Michael-addition reaction. Lastly, PDPO was demonstrated to be chemically recyclable via ring-closing metathesis (RCM), representing a significant step towards the pursuit of enabling the closed-loop circularity of "non-polymerizable" lactones without altering the ultimate polymer structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tong Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jian-Shu Xi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Changxia Shi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Du
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zi-Chen Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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5
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Zhou L, Reilly LT, Shi C, Quinn EC, Chen EYX. Proton-triggered topological transformation in superbase-mediated selective polymerization enables access to ultrahigh-molar-mass cyclic polymers. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01511-2. [PMID: 38649467 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01511-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The selective synthesis of ultrahigh-molar-mass (UHMM, >2 million Da) cyclic polymers is challenging as an exceptional degree of spatiotemporal control is required to overcome the possible undesired reactions that can compete with the desired intramolecular cyclization. Here we present a counterintuitive synthetic methodology for cyclic polymers, represented here by polythioesters, which proceeds via superbase-mediated ring-opening polymerization of gem-dimethylated thiopropiolactone, followed by macromolecular cyclization triggered by protic quenching. This proton-triggered linear-to-cyclic topological transformation enables selective, linear polymer-like access to desired cyclic polythioesters, including those with UHMM surpassing 2 MDa. In addition, this method eliminates the need for stringent conditions such as high dilution to prevent or suppress linear polymer contaminants and presents the opposite scenario in which protic-free conditions are required to prevent cyclic polymer formation, which is capitalized to produce cyclic polymers on demand. Furthermore, such UHMM cyclic polythioester exhibits not only much enhanced thermostability and mechanical toughness, but it can also be quantitatively recycled back to monomer under mild conditions due to its gem-disubstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Liam T Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ethan C Quinn
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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6
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Tian JJ, Liu X, Ye L, Zhang Z, Quinn EC, Shi C, Broadbelt LJ, Marks TJ, Chen EYX. Redesigned Nylon 6 Variants with Enhanced Recyclability, Ductility, and Transparency. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202320214. [PMID: 38418405 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202320214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Geminal (gem-) disubstitution in heterocyclic monomers is an effective strategy to enhance polymer chemical recyclability by lowering their ceiling temperatures. However, the effects of specific substitution patterns on the monomer's reactivity and the resulting polymer's properties are largely unexplored. Here we show that, by systematically installing gem-dimethyl groups onto ϵ-caprolactam (monomer of nylon 6) from the α to ϵ positions, both the redesigned lactam monomer's reactivity and the resulting gem-nylon 6's properties are highly sensitive to the substitution position, with the monomers ranging from non-polymerizable to polymerizable and the gem-nylon properties ranging from inferior to far superior to the parent nylon 6. Remarkably, the nylon 6 with the gem-dimethyls substituted at the γ position is amorphous and optically transparent, with a higher Tg (by 30 °C), yield stress (by 1.5 MPa), ductility (by 3×), and lower depolymerization temperature (by 60 °C) than conventional nylon 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Liwei Ye
- Department of Chemistry and the Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Ethan C Quinn
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Linda J Broadbelt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Tobin J Marks
- Department of Chemistry and the Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
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7
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Shi C, Quinn EC, Diment WT, Chen EYX. Recyclable and (Bio)degradable Polyesters in a Circular Plastics Economy. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4393-4478. [PMID: 38518259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Polyesters carrying polar main-chain ester linkages exhibit distinct material properties for diverse applications and thus play an important role in today's plastics economy. It is anticipated that they will play an even greater role in tomorrow's circular plastics economy that focuses on sustainability, thanks to the abundant availability of their biosourced building blocks and the presence of the main-chain ester bonds that can be chemically or biologically cleaved on demand by multiple methods and thus bring about more desired end-of-life plastic waste management options. Because of this potential and promise, there have been intense research activities directed at addressing recycling, upcycling or biodegradation of existing legacy polyesters, designing their biorenewable alternatives, and redesigning future polyesters with intrinsic chemical recyclability and tailored performance that can rival today's commodity plastics that are either petroleum based and/or hard to recycle. This review captures these exciting recent developments and outlines future challenges and opportunities. Case studies on the legacy polyesters, poly(lactic acid), poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene succinate), and poly(butylene-adipate terephthalate), are presented, and emerging chemically recyclable polyesters are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Ethan C Quinn
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Wilfred T Diment
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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8
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Zhao JZ, Yue TJ, Ren BH, Lu XB, Ren WM. Closed-loop recycling of sulfur-rich polymers with tunable properties spanning thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3002. [PMID: 38589410 PMCID: PMC11001992 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of closed-loop recycling polymers that exhibit excellent performance is of great significance. Sulfur-rich polymers possessing excellent optical, thermal, and mechanical properties are promising candidates for chemical recycling but lack efficient synthetic strategies for achieving diverse structures. Herein, we report a universal synthetic strategy for producing polytrithiocarbonates, a class of sulfur-rich polymers, via the polycondensation of dithiols and dimethyl trithiocarbonate. This strategy has excellent compatibility with a wide range of monomers, including aliphatic, heteroatomic, and aromatic dithiols enabling the synthesis of polytrithiocarbonates with diverse structures. The present synthesis strategy offers a versatile platform for the construction of thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers. Notably, these polytrithiocarbonates can be easily depolymerized via solvolysis into the corresponding monomers, which can be repolymerized to virgin polymers without changing the material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhuo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Tian-Jun Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bai-Hao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Wei-Min Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China.
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9
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Cao Q, Tu YM, Fan HZ, Shan SY, Cai Z, Zhu JB. Torsional Strain Enabled Ring-Opening Polymerization towards Axially Chiral Semiaromatic Polyesters with Chemical Recyclability. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400196. [PMID: 38356038 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The development of new chemically recyclable polymers via monomer design would provide a transformative strategy to address the energy crisis and plastic pollution problem. Biaryl-fused cyclic esters were targeted to generate axially chiral polymers, which would impart new material performance. To overcome the non-polymerizability of the biaryl-fused monomer DBO, a cyclic ester Me-DBO installed with dimethyl substitution was prepared to enable its polymerizability via enhancing torsional strain. Impressively, Me-DBO readily went through well-controlled ring-opening polymerization, producing polymer P(Me-DBO) with high glass transition temperature (Tg >100 °C). Intriguingly, mixing these complementary enantiopure polymers containing axial chirality promoted a transformation from amorphous to crystalline material, affording a semicrystalline stereocomplex with a melting transition temperature more than 300 °C. P(Me-DBO) were capable of depolymerizing back to Me-DBO in high efficiency, highlighting an excellent recyclability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Cao
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Min Tu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Hua-Zhong Fan
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Si-Yi Shan
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Zhongzheng Cai
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Bo Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
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10
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Zhang S, Li R, An Z. Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Synthesized by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315849. [PMID: 38155097 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) combines polymerization and in situ self-assembly of block copolymers in one system and has become a widely used method to prepare block copolymer nanoparticles at high concentrations. The persistence of polymers in the environment poses a huge threat to the ecosystem and represents a significant waste of resources. There is an urgent need to develop novel chemical approaches to synthesize degradable polymers. To meet with this demand, it is crucial to install degradability into PISA nanoparticles. Most recently, degradable PISA nanoparticles have been synthesized by introducing degradation mechanisms into either shell-forming or core-forming blocks. This Minireview summarizes the development in degradable block copolymer nanoparticles synthesized by PISA, including shell-degradable, core-degradable, and all-degradable nanoparticles. Future development will benefit from expansion of polymerization techniques with new degradation mechanisms and adaptation of high-throughput approaches for both PISA syntheses and degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zesheng An
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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11
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Clark R, Shaver MP. Depolymerization within a Circular Plastics System. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2617-2650. [PMID: 38386877 PMCID: PMC10941197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The societal importance of plastics contrasts with the carelessness with which they are disposed. Their superlative properties lead to economic and environmental efficiency, but the linearity of plastics puts the climate, human health, and global ecosystems at risk. Recycling is fundamental to transitioning this linear model into a more sustainable, circular economy. Among recycling technologies, chemical depolymerization offers a route to virgin quality recycled plastics, especially when valorizing complex waste streams poorly served by mechanical methods. However, chemical depolymerization exists in a complex and interlinked system of end-of-life fates, with the complementarity of each approach key to environmental, economic, and societal sustainability. This review explores the recent progress made into the depolymerization of five commercial polymers: poly(ethylene terephthalate), polycarbonates, polyamides, aliphatic polyesters, and polyurethanes. Attention is paid not only to the catalytic technologies used to enhance depolymerization efficiencies but also to the interrelationship with other recycling technologies and to the systemic constraints imposed by a global economy. Novel polymers, designed for chemical depolymerization, are also concisely reviewed in terms of their underlying chemistry and potential for integration with current plastic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbie
A. Clark
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
- Sustainable
Materials Innovation Hub, Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Shaver
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
- Sustainable
Materials Innovation Hub, Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
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12
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Darghiasi SF, Farazin A, Ghazali HS. Design of bone scaffolds with calcium phosphate and its derivatives by 3D printing: A review. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 151:106391. [PMID: 38211501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a fascinating field that combines biology, engineering, and medicine to create artificial tissues and organs. It involves using living cells, biomaterials, and bioengineering techniques to develop functional tissues that can be used to replace or repair damaged or diseased organs in the human body. The process typically starts by obtaining cells from the patient or a donor. These cells are then cultured and grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions. Scaffold materials, such as biodegradable polymers or natural extracellular matrices, are used to provide support and structure for the growing cells. 3D bone scaffolds are a fascinating application within the field of tissue engineering. These scaffolds are designed to mimic the structure and properties of natural bone tissue and serve as a temporary framework for new bone growth. The main purpose of a 3D bone scaffold is to provide mechanical support to the surrounding cells and guide their growth in a specific direction. It acts as a template, encouraging the formation of new bone tissue by providing a framework for cells to attach, proliferate, and differentiate. These scaffolds are typically fabricated using biocompatible materials like ceramics, polymers, or a combination of both. The choice of material depends on factors such as strength, biodegradability, and the ability to facilitate cell adhesion and growth. Advanced techniques like 3D printing have revolutionized the fabrication process of these scaffolds. Using precise layer-by-layer deposition, it allows for the creation of complex, patient-specific geometries, mimicking the intricacies of natural bone structure. This article offers a brief overview of the latest developments in the research and development of 3D printing techniques for creating scaffolds used in bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Farnaz Darghiasi
- Department of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA; Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), P.O. Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Farazin
- Department of Solid Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kashan, P.O. Box 87317-53153, Kashan, Iran; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point on Hudson, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA
| | - Hanieh Sadat Ghazali
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.
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13
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Yue L, Su YL, Li M, Yu L, Sun X, Cho J, Brettmann B, Gutekunst WR, Ramprasad R, Qi HJ. Chemical Circularity in 3D Printing with Biobased Δ-Valerolactone. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2310040. [PMID: 38291858 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a vat photopolymerization-based 3D printing technology that fabricates parts typically made of chemically crosslinked polymers. The rapidly growing DLP market has an increasing demand for polymer raw materials, along with growing environmental concerns. Therefore, circular DLP printing with a closed-loop recyclable ink is of great importance for sustainability. The low-ceiling temperature alkyl-substituted δ-valerolactone (VL) is an industrially accessible biorenewable feedstock for developing recyclable polymers. In this work, acrylate-functionalized poly(δ-valerolactone) (PVLA), synthesized through the ring-opening transesterification polymerization of VL, is used as a platform photoprecursor to improve the chemical circularity in DLP printing. A small portion of photocurable reactive diluent (RD) turns the unprintable PVLA into DLP printable ink. Various photocurable monomers can serve as RDs to modulate the properties of printed structures for applications like sacrificial molds, soft actuators, sensors, etc. The intrinsic depolymerizability of PVLA is well preserved, regardless of whether the printed polymer is a thermoplastic or thermoset. The recovery yield of virgin quality VL monomer is 93% through direct bulk thermolysis of the printed structures. This work proposes the utilization of depolymerizable photoprecursors and highlights the feasibility of biorenewable VL as a versatile material platform toward circular DLP printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yue
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yong-Liang Su
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mingzhe Li
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Luxia Yu
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Xiaohao Sun
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jaehyun Cho
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Blair Brettmann
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Will R Gutekunst
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Rampi Ramprasad
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - H Jerry Qi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Rewable Bioproduct Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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14
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Jiang H, Li Z, Dai Y, Ling Y, Mei S, Wang H, Mou Z. Synthesis of Poly(δ-caprolactone) via Bis(phenolate) Rare-Earth Metal Complexes Mediated Ring-Opening Polymerization and Its Chemical Recycling. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:441-450. [PMID: 38149999 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c03298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
New amine-amino-bis(phenolate) ligands (H2LtBu and H2LCl) with a cyclic tertiary amine (pyrrolidine) as a side arm and tBu or Cl group on the phenolate ring have been prepared. The alkane elimination reaction between these free ligands and rare-earth tris(alkyl)s Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2 afforded the corresponding silylalkyl complexes LtBuLnCH2SiMe3(THF) (Ln = Y (1), Lu (2)) and LClYCH2SiMe3(THF) (3), where the solid-state structure of complex 1 was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These rare-earth metal complexes have been utilized as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of biobased δ-caprolactone (δCL), either in the absence or presence of alcohols, to give poly(δ-caprolactone) (PδCL) with controlled molecular weight and narrow distribution (Đ < 1.2). The polymerization kinetics of δCL in toluene with yttrium complexes 1 and 3 were investigated. Oligomers prepared with complex 3 alone and the 3/PhCHMeOH binary catalyst system were well characterized with 1H NMR spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, chemical recycling of the resultant PδCL was achieved with high yield in a solution at ambient temperature (>92%) or in bulk at 130 °C (>82%) by using commercial KOtBu as a promotor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yanan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yidong Ling
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Shiqing Mei
- School of Biology and Chemical Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huifei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118 China
| | - Zehuai Mou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Analysis of Zhejiang Province, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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15
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Lu X, Zhang X, Zhang C, Zhang X. Cyclic Polyesters with Closed-Loop Recyclability from A New Chemically Reversible Alternating Copolymerization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306072. [PMID: 38037295 PMCID: PMC10811513 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Polyesters with both cyclic topology and chemical recyclability are attractive. Here, the alternating copolymerization of cyclic anhydride and o-phthalaldehyde to synthesize a series of cyclic and recyclable polyesters are reported for the first time. Besides readily available monomers, the copolymerization is carried out at 25 °C, uses common Lewis/Brønsted acids as catalysts, and achieves high yields within 1 h. The resulting polyesters possess well-defined alternating sequences, high-purity cyclic topology, and tunable structures using distinct two monomer sets. Of interest, the copolymerization manifests obvious chemical reversibility as revealed by kinetic and thermodynamic studies, making the unprecedented polyesters easy to recycle to their distinct two monomers in a closed loop at high temperatures. This work furnishes a facile and efficient method to synthesize cyclic polyesters with closed-loop recyclability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxian Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel TechnologyInternational Research Center for X PolymersDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Xun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel TechnologyInternational Research Center for X PolymersDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Chengjian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel TechnologyInternational Research Center for X PolymersDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Xinghong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel TechnologyInternational Research Center for X PolymersDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
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16
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Deng Z, Gillies ER. Emerging Trends in the Chemistry of End-to-End Depolymerization. JACS AU 2023; 3:2436-2450. [PMID: 37772181 PMCID: PMC10523501 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, polymers that depolymerize end-to-end upon cleavage of their backbone or activation of a terminal functional group, sometimes referred to as "self-immolative" polymers, have been attracting increasing attention. They are of growing interest in the context of enhancing polymer degradability but also in polymer recycling as they allow monomers to be regenerated in a controlled manner under mild conditions. Furthermore, they are highly promising for applications as smart materials due to their ability to provide an amplified response to a specific signal, as a single sensing event is translated into the generation of many small molecules through a cascade of reactions. From a chemistry perspective, end-to-end depolymerization relies on the principles of self-immolative linkers and polymer ceiling temperature (Tc). In this article, we will introduce the key chemical concepts and foundations of the field and then provide our perspective on recent exciting developments. For example, over the past few years, new depolymerizable backbones, including polyacetals, polydisulfides, polyesters, polythioesters, and polyalkenamers, have been developed, while modern approaches to depolymerize conventional backbones such as polymethacrylates have also been introduced. Progress has also been made on the topological evolution of depolymerizable systems, including the introduction of fully depolymerizable block copolymers, hyperbranched polymers, and polymer networks. Furthermore, precision sequence-defined oligomers have been synthesized and studied for data storage and encryption. Finally, our perspectives on future opportunities and challenges in the field will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Deng
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Western
Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Elizabeth R. Gillies
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Western
Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
- Department
of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
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17
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Fornacon-Wood C, Stühler MR, Gallizioli C, Manjunatha BR, Wachtendorf V, Schartel B, Plajer AJ. Precise construction of weather-sensitive poly(ester- alt-thioesters) from phthalic thioanhydride and oxetane. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:11353-11356. [PMID: 37655470 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03315e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride by a heterobimetallic Cr(III)K catalyst precisely yielding semi-crystalline alternating poly(ester-alt-thioesters) which show improved degradability due to the thioester links in the polymer backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Fornacon-Wood
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Merlin R Stühler
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Cesare Gallizioli
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Bhargav R Manjunatha
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Volker Wachtendorf
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schartel
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -Prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
| | - Alex J Plajer
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, Berlin 14195, Germany.
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18
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McGuire T, Buchard A, Williams C. Chemical Recycling of Commercial Poly(l-lactic acid) to l-Lactide Using a High-Performance Sn(II)/Alcohol Catalyst System. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19840-19848. [PMID: 37654014 PMCID: PMC10510327 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a leading commercial polymer produced from biomass, showing useful properties for plastics and fiber applications; after use, it is compostable. One area for improvement is postconsumer waste PLLA chemical recycling to monomer (CRM), i.e., the formation of l-lactide (l-LA) from waste plastic. This process is currently feasible at high reaction temperatures and shows low catalytic activity accompanied, in some cases, by side reactions, including epimerization. Here, a commercial Sn(II) catalyst, applied with nonvolatile commercial alcohol, enables highly efficient CRM of PLLA to yield l-LA in excellent yield and purity (92% yield, >99% l-LA from theoretical max.). The depolymerization is performed using neat polymer films at low temperatures (160 °C) under a nitrogen flow or vacuum. The chemical recycling operates with outstanding activity, achieving turnover frequencies which are up to 3000× higher than previously excellent catalysts and applied at loadings up to 6000× lower than previously leading catalysts. The catalyst system achieves a TOF = 3000 h-1 at 0.01 mol % or 1:10,000 catalyst:PLLA loading. The depolymerization of waste PLLA plastic packaging (coffee cup lids) produces pure l-LA in excellent yield and selectivity. The new catalyst system (Sn + alcohol) can itself be recycled four times in different PLLA "batch degradations" and maintains its high catalytic productivity, activity, and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas
M. McGuire
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Antoine Buchard
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute for Sustainability, University of Bath, Claverton
Down, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Charlotte Williams
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.
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19
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Xia Y, Sun Y, Liu Z, Zhang C, Zhang X. Modular Alcohol Click Chemistry Enables Facile Synthesis of Recyclable Polymers with Tunable Structure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306731. [PMID: 37490022 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The facile synthesis of chemically recyclable polymers derived from sustainable feedstocks presents enormous challenges. Here, we develop a novel, modular, and efficient click reaction for connecting primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohols with activated alkenes via a bridge molecule of carbonyl sulfide (COS). The click reaction is successfully applied to synthesize a series of recyclable polymers by the step polyaddition of diols, diacrylates, and COS. Diols and diacrylates are common chemicals and can be produced from biorenewable sources, and COS is released as the industrial waste. In addition to sustainable monomers, the approach is atom-economical, wide in scope, metal-free, and performed under mild conditions, affording unprecedented polymers with nearly quantitative yields. The produced polymers also possess predesigned and widely tunable structure owing to the versatility of our method and the broad variety of monomers. The in-chain thiocarbonate and ester polar groups can play as breakpoints, allowing these polymers to be easily recycled. Overall, the polymers have broad prospects for green materials given their facile synthesis, readily available feedstocks, desirable performance, and chemical recyclability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Xia
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yue Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Ziheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chengjian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinghong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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20
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Zhang X, Guo W, Zhang C, Zhang X. A recyclable polyester library from reversible alternating copolymerization of aldehyde and cyclic anhydride. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5423. [PMID: 37669954 PMCID: PMC10480228 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our society is pursuing chemically recyclable polymers to accelerate the green revolution in plastics. Here, we develop a recyclable polyester library from the alternating copolymerization of aldehyde and cyclic anhydride. Although these two monomer sets have little or no thermodynamic driving force for homopolymerization, their copolymerization demonstrates the unexpected alternating characteristics. In addition to readily available monomers, the method is performed under mild conditions, uses common Lewis/Brønsted acids as catalysts, achieves the facile tuning of polyester structure using two distinct monomer sets, and yields 60 polyesters. Interestingly, the copolymerization exhibits the chemical reversibility attributed to its relatively low enthalpy, which makes the resulting polyesters perform closed-loop recycling to monomers at high temperatures. This study provides a modular, efficient, and facile synthesis of recyclable polyesters using sustainable monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wenqi Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chengjian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Xinghong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
- Center of Chemistry for Frontier Technologies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
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21
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Fornacon-Wood C, Manjunatha BR, Stühler MR, Gallizioli C, Müller C, Pröhm P, Plajer AJ. Precise cooperative sulfur placement leads to semi-crystallinity and selective depolymerisability in CS 2/oxetane copolymers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4525. [PMID: 37500621 PMCID: PMC10374558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39951-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CS2 promises easy access to degradable sulfur-rich polymers and insights into how main-group derivatisation affects polymer formation and properties, though its ring-opening copolymerisation is plagued by low linkage selectivity and small-molecule by-products. We demonstrate that a cooperative Cr(III)/K catalyst selectively delivers poly(dithiocarbonates) from CS2 and oxetanes while state-of-the-art strategies produce linkage scrambled polymers and heterocyclic by-products. The formal introduction of sulfur centres into the parent polycarbonates results in a net shift of the polymerisation equilibrium towards, and therefore facilitating, depolymerisation. During copolymerisation however, the catalyst enables near quantitative generation of the metastable polymers in high sequence selectivity by limiting the lifetime of alkoxide intermediates. Furthermore, linkage selectivity is key to obtain semi-crystalline materials that can be moulded into self-standing objects as well as to enable chemoselective depolymerisation into cyclic dithiocarbonates which can themselves serve as monomers in ring-opening polymerisation. Our report demonstrates the potential of cooperative catalysis to produce previously inaccessible main-group rich materials with beneficial chemical and physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Fornacon-Wood
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bhargav R Manjunatha
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Merlin R Stühler
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cesare Gallizioli
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Pröhm
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex J Plajer
- Intitut für Chemie und Biochemie., Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstraße 34-36, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Tu YM, Gong FL, Wu YC, Cai Z, Zhu JB. Insights into substitution strategy towards thermodynamic and property regulation of chemically recyclable polymers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3198. [PMID: 37268636 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chemically recyclable polymers serves as an attractive approach to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Monomer design principle is the key to achieving chemical recycling to monomer. Herein, we provide a systematic investigation to evaluate a range of substitution effects and structure-property relationships in the ɛ-caprolactone (CL) system. Thermodynamic and recyclability studies reveal that the substituent size and position could regulate their ceiling temperatures (Tc). Impressively, M4 equipped with a tert-butyl group displays a Tc of 241 °C. A series of spirocyclic acetal-functionalized CLs prepared by a facile two-step reaction undergo efficient ring-opening polymerization and subsequent depolymerization. The resulting polymers demonstrate various thermal properties and a transformation of the mechanical performance from brittleness to ductility. Notably, the toughness and ductility of P(M13) is comparable to the commodity plastic isotactic polypropylene. This comprehensive study is aimed to provide a guideline to the future monomer design towards chemically recyclable polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Tu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Long Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Chen Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Zhongzheng Cai
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Jian-Bo Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Rd, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China.
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23
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Zhou L, Zhang Z, Shi C, Scoti M, Barange DK, Gowda RR, Chen EYX. Chemically circular, mechanically tough, and melt-processable polyhydroxyalkanoates. Science 2023; 380:64-69. [PMID: 37023198 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg4520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have attracted increasing interest as sustainable plastics because of their biorenewability and biodegradability in the ambient environment. However, current semicrystalline PHAs face three long-standing challenges to broad commercial implementation and application: lack of melt processability, mechanical brittleness, and unrealized recyclability, the last of which is essential for achieving a circular plastics economy. Here we report a synthetic PHA platform that addresses the origin of thermal instability by eliminating α-hydrogens in the PHA repeat units and thus precluding facile cis-elimination during thermal degradation. This simple α,α-disubstitution in PHAs enhances the thermal stability so substantially that the PHAs become melt-processable. Synergistically, this structural modification also endows the PHAs with the mechanical toughness, intrinsic crystallinity, and closed-loop chemical recyclability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Changxia Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Miriam Scoti
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Deepak K Barange
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Ravikumar R Gowda
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
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24
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Clarke RW, Sandmeier T, Franklin KA, Reich D, Zhang X, Vengallur N, Patra TK, Tannenbaum RJ, Adhikari S, Kumar SK, Rovis T, Chen EYX. Dynamic crosslinking compatibilizes immiscible mixed plastics. Nature 2023; 616:731-739. [PMID: 37100943 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The global plastics problem is a trifecta, greatly affecting environment, energy and climate1-4. Many innovative closed/open-loop plastics recycling or upcycling strategies have been proposed or developed5-16, addressing various aspects of the issues underpinning the achievement of a circular economy17-19. In this context, reusing mixed-plastics waste presents a particular challenge with no current effective closed-loop solution20. This is because such mixed plastics, especially polar/apolar polymer mixtures, are typically incompatible and phase separate, leading to materials with substantially inferior properties. To address this key barrier, here we introduce a new compatibilization strategy that installs dynamic crosslinkers into several classes of binary, ternary and postconsumer immiscible polymer mixtures in situ. Our combined experimental and modelling studies show that specifically designed classes of dynamic crosslinker can reactivate mixed-plastics chains, represented here by apolar polyolefins and polar polyesters, by compatibilizing them via dynamic formation of graft multiblock copolymers. The resulting in-situ-generated dynamic thermosets exhibit intrinsic reprocessability and enhanced tensile strength and creep resistance relative to virgin plastics. This approach avoids the need for de/reconstruction and thus potentially provides an alternative, facile route towards the recovery of the endowed energy and materials value of individual plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Clarke
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Kevin A Franklin
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Dominik Reich
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nayan Vengallur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Center for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, and Center for Atomistic Modeling and Materials Design, India Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Tarak K Patra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Center for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, and Center for Atomistic Modeling and Materials Design, India Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | | | - Sabin Adhikari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanat K Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tomislav Rovis
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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25
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Eck M, Bernabeu L, Mecking S. Polyethylene-Like Blends Amenable to Abiotic Hydrolytic Degradation. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:4523-4530. [PMID: 37008182 PMCID: PMC10052336 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c07537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain aliphatic polyester-18,18 (PE-18,18) exhibits high density polyethylene-like material properties and, as opposed to high density polyethylene (HDPE), can be recycled in a closed loop via depolymerization to monomers under mild conditions. Despite the in-chain ester groups, its high crystallinity and hydrophobicity render PE-18,18 stable toward hydrolysis even under acidic conditions for one year. Hydrolytic degradability, however, can be a desirable material property as it can serve as a universal backstop to plastic accumulation in the environment. We present an approach to render PE-18,18 hydrolytically degradable by melt blending with long-chain aliphatic poly(H-phosphonate)s (PP). The blends can be processed via common injection molding and 3D printing and exhibit HDPE-like tensile properties, namely, high stiffness (E = 750-940 MPa) and ductility (εtb = 330-460%) over a wide range of blend ratios (0.5-20 wt % PP content). Likewise, the orthorhombic solid-state structure and crystallinity (χ ≈ 70%) of the blends are similar to HDPE. Under aqueous conditions in phosphate-buffered media at 25 °C, the blends' PP component is hydrolyzed completely to the underlying long-chain diol and phosphorous acid within four months, as evidenced by NMR analyses. Concomitant, the PE-18,18 major blend component is partially hydrolyzed, while neat PE-18,18 is inert under identical conditions. The hydrolysis of the blend components proceeded throughout the bulk of the specimens as confirmed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. The significant molar mass reduction upon extended immersion in water (M n(virgin blends) ≈ 50-70 kg mol-1; M n(hydrolyzed blends) ≈ 7-11 kg mol-1) resulted in embrittlement and fragmentation of the injection molded specimens. This increases the surface area and is anticipated to promote eventual mineralization by abiotic and biotic pathways of these HDPE-like polyesters in the environment.
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