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Insights into substitution strategy towards thermodynamic and property regulation of chemically recyclable polymers

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  • Yi-Min Tu

    (Sichuan University)

  • Fu-Long Gong

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yan-Chen Wu

    (Sichuan University)

  • Zhongzheng Cai

    (Sichuan University)

  • Jian-Bo Zhu

    (Sichuan University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi-Min Tu & Fu-Long Gong & Yan-Chen Wu & Zhongzheng Cai & Jian-Bo Zhu, 2023. "Insights into substitution strategy towards thermodynamic and property regulation of chemically recyclable polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38916-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38916-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai Ma & Hai-Yan An & Jiyun Nam & Liam T. Reilly & Yi-Lin Zhang & Eugene Y.-X. Chen & Tie-Qi Xu, 2024. "Fully recyclable and tough thermoplastic elastomers from simple bio-sourced δ-valerolactones," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Ye Sha & Xiaofan Chen & Wei Sun & Junfeng Zhou & Yucheng He & Enhua Xu & Zhenyang Luo & Yonghong Zhou & Puyou Jia, 2024. "Biorenewable and circular polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.

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