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Recyclable Crosslinked Polymer Networks via One-Step Controlled Radical Polymerization
Kailong Jin1, Lingqiao Li1, John M Torkelson2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|May 21, 2016
Summary
A new nitroxide-mediated polymerization strategy enables one-step synthesis of recyclable crosslinked polymers. These materials exhibit full property recovery after multiple recycling processes, offering sustainable solutions.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Crosslinked polymers are widely used but challenging to recycle due to permanent network structures.
- Developing recyclable polymer networks is crucial for sustainability and reducing plastic waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a one-step synthesis for recyclable crosslinked polymeric materials.
- To demonstrate the robust recyclability and property recovery of these novel materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a nitroxide-mediated polymerization strategy.
- Employing monomers or polymers with carbon-carbon double bonds suitable for radical polymerization.
- Investigating the dynamic covalent bonding within the polymer network.
Main Results:
- Successful one-step synthesis of crosslinked polymeric materials.
- Demonstrated full property recovery after multiple melt-reprocessing cycles.
- Materials exhibit dynamic covalent bonds enabling recyclability.
Conclusions:
- The nitroxide-mediated polymerization strategy offers a sustainable approach to creating recyclable crosslinked polymers.
- This method facilitates the design of networks with robust recyclability for advanced technological applications.
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