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Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer

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Emerging Dynamic Polymers for Sustainable Materials.

Lihao Yuan¹, Qi Zhang¹

¹Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|May 25, 2026

Summary

Dynamers, or dynamic polymers, offer sustainable material solutions through dynamic chemical bonds. This research explores their history, chemical toolboxes, and future potential for recycling and responsive applications.

Keywords:

circular polymers closed-loop recycling dynamers dynamic covalent bonds sustainable materials

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Area of Science:

Polymer Chemistry
Materials Science
Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

Conventional polymers lack sustainability and recyclability crucial for a circular economy.
Dynamers, or dynamic polymers, are regaining attention for their potential in recycling and responsive applications.
Dynamic chemical bonds offer a pathway to engineer sustainable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a historical overview of dynamers.
To introduce emerging chemical toolboxes for creating dynamic polymers.
To highlight state-of-the-art examples and future opportunities in dynamer research.

Main Methods:

Review of historical milestones in dynamer development.
Analysis of chemical strategies utilizing dynamic covalent, noncovalent, and mechanical bonds.
Synthesis of current research examples and future outlook.

Main Results:

Dynamers represent a significant advancement in sustainable materials.
Diverse chemical approaches (covalent, noncovalent, mechanical bonds) enable dynamer design.
The field shows promise for enhanced plastic recycling and responsive material development.

Conclusions:

Dynamers are key to developing sustainable materials for a circular economy.
Continued innovation in chemical toolboxes will drive dynamer applications.
Addressing current challenges will unlock future opportunities in dynamic polymer science.