Closed-loop recyclable plastics from poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate)

Abstract

Ethyl cyanoacrylate is a highly reactive monomer that has been used nearly exclusively to make Super Glue and related fast-setting adhesives. Here, we describe transformation of this highly abundant, readily available monomer into a closed-loop recyclable plastic that could supplant currently used (and often unrecycled/unrecyclable) plastics, such as poly(styrene). We report polymerization conditions, plastic-processing methods, and plastic-recycling protocols for poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) plastics that make the Super Glue monomer a viable starting material for a next generation of closed-loop recyclable plastics. The processes described are scalable, and the plastics can be recycled in a closed-loop process with >90% yields, even when combined with a heterogeneous mixture of other types of plastic.

Hybrid Monomer Design Synergizing Property Trade‐offs in Developing Polymers for Circularity and Performance

“…For example, ethyl cyanoacrylate, which features strong 1,1-di-substituted electron-withdrawing groups (CN and COOR), exhibits exceptional monomer recovery. [53,54] Additionally, a bulkier polymer side chain has been shown to reduce T c due to conformational/steric effects that alter the difference in relative energy states between the monomer and polymer states. Critically, the increased side chain steric bulk also further increases the loss of entropy of polymerization (i.e., making DS p more negative, thus resulting in a lower T c ).…”

Hybrid Monomer Design Synergizing Property Trade‐offs in Developing Polymers for Circularity and Performance

“…One strategy to promote closed‐loop recyclability of such vinyl monomers is the tuning of the electronics of the pi system. For example, ethyl cyanoacrylate, which features strong 1,1‐di‐substituted electron‐withdrawing groups (CN and COOR), exhibits exceptional monomer recovery [53, 54] . Additionally, a bulkier polymer side chain has been shown to reduce T c due to conformational/steric effects that alter the difference in relative energy states between the monomer and polymer states.…”

Assessing the Technical Routes for Chemical Cycling of Waste Plastics to Light Olefins

“…This is roughly equivalent to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission of about 2.26 billion tons. 60 In fact, renewable electricity has become much more available in China due to technological developments and policy guidance in recent years. Adding green hydrogen to the PPTO route can improve the carbon efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability.…”

“…In the hydrogenation unit, hydrogen is presumed to be derived from electrolysis of water using renewable energy, which can be wind power, solar PV, hydropower, and/or nuclear power. , In 2022, renewable energy generation reaches 2.7 trillion KWH, accounting for 31.6% of the total electricity consumption in China, with an increase of 1.7% over 2021. This is roughly equivalent to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission of about 2.26 billion tons . In fact, renewable electricity has become much more available in China due to technological developments and policy guidance in recent years.…”