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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
Synthesis of a CO2-based polyester for remarkably improving the toughness, UV-resistance and degradability of
Jiang Li1, Hengsheng Liu1, Yu Jiang1
1Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Energy Materials Chemistry of Ministry of Education & Hubei Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science, Hubei R&D Center of Hyperbranched Polymers Synthesis and Applications, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China. yu.jiang@scuec.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Bio-based and carbon dioxide (CO2)-derived polymers are promising sustainable alternatives to fossil-based polymers, contributing significantly to resource sustainability and CO2 emission reduction. Here, a CO2-based polyester was synthesized and utilized to modify bio-based polylactic acid (PLA), resulting in a composite material that exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, enhanced ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and a rapid degradation rate. Moreover, the introduction of a degradable ester backbone has also enabled the composite to be completely degraded under mild conditions to recover lactic acid, achieving closed-loop recycling.
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