Oxidation upcycling of polyethylene into degradable, recyclable and high-performance materials

Abstract

Polyethylene waste was oxidatively converted into hydroxyl-terminated telechelic macromolecules with controlled molecular weights, which were further reconstructed into sustainable materials with enhanced strength, processability, degradability/recyclability, and filler compatibility through dynamic cross-linking. This strategy enables efficient upcycling of PE into sustainable, high-performance polymers, addressing plastic pollution and advancing circular materials.