Introduction to plastics in a circular economy
Haritz Sardon and Zi-Chen Li introduce the Polymer Chemistry themed collection on plastics in a circular economy.
Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options
Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acid are biodegradable and can be fully recycled in a Circular Economy approach.
Ring opening polymerization of macrocyclic oligoesters derived from renewable sources
A review about the synthesis of renewable alkylene furanoate and dicarboxylate MCOs, their ROP to polyesters and their recycling by cyclodepolymerization.
Chemical recycling of poly(bisphenol A carbonate)
This review covers the current status of chemical recycling and upcycling of poly(bisphenol A carbonate), a leading engineering plastic of great economic and environmental interest.
Aminolytic upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) wastes using a thermally-stable organocatalyst
We report the potential of thermally stable acid-base mixtures for the upcycling of PET in the presence of amines.
Communication
Dual-catalytic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Limiting our plastic waste and finding greener, more sustainable solutions for disposal is a current environmental priority.
High chemical recyclability of vinyl lactone acrylic bioplastics
Biomass-derived vinyl lactone acrylic bioplastics not only exhibit higher thermostability but also depolymerize more selectively to monomers with higher yield and purity compared to their petroleum-based vinyl ester acrylic counterpart.
Paper
Intrinsic flame retardant phosphonate-based vitrimers as a recyclable alternative for commodity polymers in composite materials
Vitrimers are a promising alternative to conventional composite materials as they can be recycled and reshaped but still need additives. Herein, intrinsic flame-retardant phosphorus-containing vitrimers are presented, which were used in composites.
Formation of bis-benzimidazole and bis-benzoxazole through organocatalytic depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and its mechanism
One-pot syntheses of bis-benzimidazole and bis-benzoxazole from poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste bottles were successful through two-step nucleophilic attacks promoted by TBD.
Alicyclic polyesters from a bicyclic 1,3-dioxane-4-one
Ring-opening polymerisation of cyclopentyl-decorated dioxaneone rings accesses fully alicyclic polyesters through elimination of formaldehyde.
Paper
Poly(alanine-nylon-alanine) as a bioplastic: chemoenzymatic synthesis, thermal properties and biological degradation effects
Poly(amino acids) such as polypeptides and proteins are attractive biomass-based polymers that potentially contribute to circular economy for plastic.
Paper
Turning natural δ-lactones to thermodynamically stable polymers with triggered recyclability
Extending the use of natural δ-lactones in circular materials via a synthetic strategy yielding thermodynamically stable polyesters with triggered recyclability.
Degradable sugar-based magnetic hybrid nanoparticles for recovery of crude oil from aqueous environments
We designed and fabricated a sugar-based magnetic nanocomposite material that is capable of tackling environmental pollution posed by marine oil spills, while minimizing potential secondary problems that may occur from microplastic contamination.
Organocatalytic C–H fluoroalkylation of commodity polymers
Organocatalytic post-polymerization modification of commodity aromatic polymers diversifies their material properties.
About this collection
This special issue, Guest Edited by Haritz Sardon (POLYMAT Basque Center for Macromolecular Design & Engineering) and Zi-Chen Li (Peking University) presents innovative research strategies based on the design of innovative chemical principles to incentivize the transition from linear to circular plastic economy.
The special issue covers the development of practical technologies for upcycling or creative reuse of the important existing polymeric materials, as well as the design of new polymers considering their recycling pathways and ability to be depolymerized under controlled conditions back to their starting feedstocks.
The Royal Society of Chemistry has produced and developed a plan in conjunction with experts from China, Germany, Japan and the UK for how to create a circular economy for plastics, preserving the crucial function they serve in society, while introducing much better recyclability and reusability into their design. This can be accessed at rsc.li/progressive-plastics.