Upcycling of Polypropylene Wastes via Catalytically C−H Modification with Polar Olefins

Abstract

While polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used polyolefin materials, its post‐functionalization has been a continuously researched topic in the polymer field since it could significantly improve physical and chemical properties by introducing polar groups, beneficial for development of the next generation of polyolefin materials. In this work, we describe the development of a visible‐light promoted, environmentally friendly iron‐catalyzed strategy and establishing of the reaction scope for C−H alkylated modification of polypropylene. Under our conditions, various polypropylenes could be functionalized with diverse polar alkenes with good levels of functionalization (LOF). The properties of the resulting polymers were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile testing. Polypropylene wastes could also be upcycled. While the incorporation of the polyglycol groups enhanced hydrophilicity, the installation of the ester groups increased the miscibility with other polymers by acting as a compatibilizer for polystyrene and polyethylene.

Covalent Installation of Fluorophores into Polyethylene: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

“…Combining excellent fluorescence characteristics with the compatibility of polar ester groups, LLDPE-MA-1 was used as a fluorescent compatibilizer for polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP). , Binary blend PP/PS (80/20, w/w) and ternary blend PP/PS/ LLDPE-MA-1 (70/20/10, w/w/w) samples were prepared via solution blending (Page S89). EDS element distribution analysis showed that LLDPE-MA-1 was homogeneously dispersed in both phases (Figure a–c).…”

Precise activation of C–C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics

“…This modification can reduce the activation energy barriers for the C aliph –C aliph bonds adjacent to these polar elements during the photocatalytic process, thereby enhancing the efficiency of their activation and cleavage and resulting in a more diversified range of value-added chemicals. 125,126…”