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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
08:12
Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Ring-Opening Polymerization to Access Chemically Recyclable Aromatic Poly(thio)carbonates
Jia-Rong Yao1, Jian Zhang1, Kun Li1
1National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China.
ACS Macro Letters
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Chemically recyclable aromatic polycarbonates were created using novel cyclic thiocarbonate monomers. These sulfur-containing polymers demonstrate enhanced properties and efficient depolymerization, offering a sustainable alternative for high-performance plastics.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Aromatic polycarbonates are high-performance thermoplastics.
- Chemical recycling of aromatic polycarbonates remains a significant challenge.
- Developing sustainable and economical recycling methods is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel benzo-fused seven-membered cyclic thiocarbonate monomers (M1 and M2).
- To construct chemically recyclable aromatic poly(thio)carbonates from these monomers.
- To evaluate the properties and recyclability of the synthesized polymers.
Main Methods:
- DBU-catalyzed polymerization of M1 and M2 monomers.
- Characterization of the resulting aromatic poly(thio)carbonates (P(M1) and P(M2)).
- Assessment of polymer properties including thermal transitions and refractive index.
- Investigation of depolymerization using tin(II) chloride (SnCl2).
Main Results:
- Efficient polymerization achieved with low catalyst loading (0.01 mol %).
- P(M1) exhibited a melting point (Tm) of 131 °C (semicrystalline), P(M2) showed a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 48 °C (amorphous).
- Enhanced refractive index (nD = 1.64/1.71) compared to commercial polycarbonates.
- Efficient SnCl2-mediated depolymerization of P(M2) recovered monomer M2 with >95% yield.
Conclusions:
- Novel sulfur-containing cyclic thiocarbonate monomers enable the synthesis of chemically recyclable aromatic poly(thio)carbonates.
- Incorporation of sulfur enhances polymer properties like refractive index.
- The developed polymers offer a promising route for sustainable plastic recycling through efficient depolymerization.
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