Highly elastic and degradable thermoset elastomers from CO2-based polycarbonates and bioderived polyesters

Abstract

The first example of CO₂-based thermoset elastomers (CO₂Es) on the basis of two sustainable and degradable polymers, rigid CO₂-based polycarbonates and soft polyesters, is reported. The elastomers exhibit acceptable mechanical strength and excellent elasticity (average elastic recovery >93%) by introducing a chemical network. By adjusting the ratio of rigid CO₂ polycarbonate/soft polyester, green elastomers with adjustable mechanical performance are obtained efficiently.