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Related Concept Videos

Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview01:13

Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview

Recently, the development of olefin metathesis polymerization advanced the field of polymer synthesis. Simply put, the reorganization of substituents on their double bonds between two olefins in the presence of a catalyst is known as the olefin metathesis reaction. The use of metathesis reaction for polymer synthesis is called olefin metathesis polymerization.
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
Polymers02:34

Polymers

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:17

Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Ziegler–Natta polymerization is another form of addition or chain‐growth polymerization used for synthesizing linear polymers over branched polymers. The catalyst used for polymerization is the Ziegler–Natta catalyst, named after Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta, who developed it in 1953. This catalyst is an organometallic complex of titanium tetrachloride and triethyl aluminum, with the active form of the catalyst being an alkyl titanium compound. Using the Ziegler–Natta catalyst, high molecular...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)00:53

Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)

Acyclic diene metathesis polymerization or ADMET polymerization involves cross-metathesis of terminal dienes, such as 1,8-nonadiene, to give linear unsaturated polymer and ethylene. As ADMET is a reversible process, the formed ethylene gas must be removed from the reaction mixture to complete the polymerization process.
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the generated carbocation,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
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Published on: March 8, 2019

Solvent-, Catalyst-, and Heating-Free Mechanochemical Depolymerization of Polyurethane.

Soonhyuk Cha1, Gyeongjin Kwon1, Byeong-Su Kim1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Chemsuschem
|July 2, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed a new, sustainable method to recycle polyurethane (PU) waste. This solvent-free, catalyst-free, and heating-free mechanochemical process efficiently recovers polyols from PU products using only sodium hydroxide.

Keywords:
ball millingchemical recycling to monomergreen chemistrymechanochemical recyclingpolyurethane

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

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Published on: March 8, 2019

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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

  • Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile synthetic polymer known for its durability.
  • The cross-linked structure of PU poses recycling challenges, limiting sustainable waste management.
  • Conventional depolymerization methods are often energy-intensive and require harsh conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a sustainable and scalable method for polyurethane depolymerization.
  • To achieve efficient polyol recovery from PU waste under ambient conditions.
  • To explore the potential of mechanochemistry for polymer valorization.

Main Methods:

  • A solvent-, catalyst-, and heating-free mechanochemical method using sodium hydroxide.
  • Optimization of reaction parameters using a model urethane compound.
  • Monitoring reaction progress via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Main Results:

  • Successful depolymerization of commercial PU products, including kitchen sponges and insulation foam.
  • Achieved up to 69% polyol recovery within 3 hours of ball milling.
  • Demonstrated efficient urethane bond cleavage under ambient conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanochemical depolymerization offers a practical and sustainable route for polyol recovery from PU waste.
  • This solid-state approach significantly reduces solvent usage and simplifies the recycling process.
  • Highlights the potential of mechanochemistry for sustainable polymer valorization and circular economy initiatives.