Defining the Macromolecules of Tomorrow through Synergistic Sustainable Polymer Research

Abstract

Transforming how plastics are made, unmade, and remade through innovative research and diverse partnerships that together foster environmental stewardship is critically important to a sustainable future. Designing, preparing, and implementing polymers derived from renewable resources for a wide range of advanced applications that promote future economic development, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability are all central to these efforts. In this Chemical Reviews contribution, we take a comprehensive, integrated approach to summarize important and impactful contributions to this broad research arena. The Review highlights signature accomplishments across a broad research portfolio and is organized into four wide-ranging research themes that address the topic in a comprehensive manner: Feedstocks, Polymerization Processes and Techniques, Intended Use, and End of Use. We emphasize those successes that benefitted from collaborative engagements across disciplinary lines.

Fully degradable polymer networks from conventional radical polymerization of vinyl monomers enabled by thionolactone addition

“…Ideally, such polymers could preserve their unique physical properties, such as elasticity, mechanical strength, or thermal and chemical resistance while being able to degrade or depolymerize on demand. [3][4][5] Designing recyclable thermosets is particularly challenging as their crosslinked nature prevents processing in solution or melt. 6 The main strategy to degradable networks involves introduction of labile bonds, e.g.…”

Photocatalyzed Functionalization of Alkenoic Acids in 3D‐Printed Reactors

“…However, this priority building block may be formed by microbial fermentation in the frame of industrial biomass conversion. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Maleic acid (III), usually formed by non-renewable sources from maleic anhydride produced through catalytic oxidation of benzene or other hydrocarbons (e.g. butane) is well known to be derived from lignocellulosic agroresidues or from furfural.…”

“…One of the most important alkenoic acids from biomass is undoubtedly itaconic acid ( II ), chemically prepared by pyrolysis of citric acid and subsequent hydrolysis of the thus formed itaconic anhydride. However, this priority building block may be formed by microbial fermentation in the frame of industrial biomass conversion [12–19] . Maleic acid ( III ), usually formed by non‐renewable sources from maleic anhydride produced through catalytic oxidation of benzene or other hydrocarbons (e.g.…”

Dithioacetal Polymers Capable of Chemical Recycling to Macrocyclic Monomers and Formation of Vitrimers

“…In this regard the concept of chemical recycling to monomers has gained significant interest as a viable solution, particularly because recycled monomers can be used to resynthesize polymers that virtually retain the quality of the parent polymers. [3][4][5][6][7][8] A promising approach is ring-opening polymerization (ROP) by which the resulting polymers are capable of ring-closing depolymerization (RCD) to regenerate the cyclic monomers. This reversible ring-chain recycling process has recently been demonstrated for various cyclic monomers such as acetals, 9 carbonates, [10][11][12][13] alkenes, [14][15][16][17][18] lactones, [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] thiolactones, [26][27][28][29] and lactams.…”