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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
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The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
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Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
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Depolymerization and Reuse of Polycarbonates: Emerging Classes, Mechanisms and Challenges.

Davide Rigo1, David H Lamparelli2, Antonio Buonerba2

  • 1Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-Cerca), the Barcelona Institute of Science & Technology (BIST), Tarragona, Spain.

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Summary

This review explores recyclable-by-design polymers, focusing on polycarbonates (PCs). It highlights controlled degradation mechanisms and efficient depolymerization methods for sustainable PC development and recycling.

Keywords:
circular polymersdepolymerizationmechanismspolycarbonatesrecycling

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

  • Efficient recycling of plastics and polymers is crucial for circular chemistry.
  • Engineering polymers like polycarbonates (PCs) are vital in consumer products.
  • Sustainable production and end-of-life management of PCs are pressing concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key aspects guiding future polycarbonate (PC) development.
  • To understand controlled degradation mechanisms in PCs.
  • To identify efficient depolymerization approaches for PC recycling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PC recycling and degradation.
  • Analysis of mechanistic understanding of controlled degradation.
  • Discussion of depolymerization strategies for PCs.

Main Results:

  • Mechanistic understanding of controlled degradation is essential for PC development.
  • Efficient depolymerization methods are key outcomes for PC recycling.
  • Emerging classes of polycarbonates, including heteroatom-containing types, show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Future PC development should prioritize controlled degradation and efficient depolymerization.
  • Recyclable-by-design polymers, especially PCs, are critical for a circular economy.
  • Further research into novel PC structures, like heteroatom-containing polycarbonates, is warranted.