ABx and ABxC poly(ester-ether) polymers were synthesized and their units were shown to greatly affect thermal properties and significantly increase polymer degradability.
The usefulness of seven different tin catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate and titan tetra(ethoxide) for the polycondensation of ethyl L-lactate (ELA) was examined at 150 °C for 6 d.
L-Lactide (LA) was polymerized with neat tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) in toluene at 115 °C at low concentration with variation of the LA/Cat ratio.
Preformed polylactides with CH-OH and COOH end groups were heated with three different catalysts. Proton-catalyzed esterification favored chain growth, while tin catalysts favored cycle formation.
The study investigates the potential in solvent triggered chemical recycling and how the power of the solvent effect is influenced by the monomer structure. Catalyst selectivity is utilized to demonstrate chemical recycling of mixed polymer waste.