From plastic to elastomers: introducing reversible copper–thioether coordination in CO2-based polycarbonate

Abstract

As a classic CO₂-based material, it is important to enable the full utilization of high performance poly(cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC), which is derived from the copolymerization of CO₂ and cyclohexene oxide (CHO). However, examples of sophisticated and advanced functionalization of PCHC are still scarce. Herein, we report a facile and feasible strategy to transform brittle plastic PCHC into an elastomer by the introduction of Cu–S dynamic reversible bonds via CO₂/CHO/vinyl cyclohexene oxide terpolymerization followed by thiol–ene click chemistry and Cu–S coordination postfunctionalization. The resulting thermoplastic elastomers displayed good elastic recovery (remaining at 86% strength after five cyclic tests), a certain hardness (Shore A from 31 to 91), and adjustable mechanical properties. The present study provides a platform for the further utilization of high value-added CO₂-based materials.