Issue 48, 2022

A strategy to enhance recyclability of degradable block copolymers by introducing low-temperature formability

Abstract

Most thermoplastics are processed by melt-molding, which consumes energy and often results in thermal degradation of polymers and reduction of recycling opportunities. A potential solution is to introduce low-temperature formability in polymeric materials. Degradable block copolymers composed of poly(trimethylene carbonate) and polylactide are derived from renewables and processable at temperatures as low as ambient temperature through the application of pressure, thereby suppressing thermal degradation during processing and keeping the mechanical properties unchanged. An upper order-to-disorder transition phase behavior for the block copolymers can be predicted by the compressible regular solution (CRS) model. The block copolymers undergo a phase transition from an ordered (solid) state to a disordered (melt/solid) state by pressurizing to show fluidity. The melt/solid state is then reversibly solidified by removing the applied pressure. The low-temperature formability is dependent on the composition and molecular weight of the block copolymers. The “pressure plastics” substantially reduce energy consumption during processing with mitigating CO2 emissions and enhancing recyclability. The elastomeric properties obtained allow the bock copolymers to be alternative to petroleum-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as polyethylene. In addition, the degradable nature reduces environmental impact even though escaping the collection system of the end-of-life plastics.

Graphical abstract: A strategy to enhance recyclability of degradable block copolymers by introducing low-temperature formability

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
30 7 2022
Accepted
18 10 2022
First published
19 10 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 25446-25452

A strategy to enhance recyclability of degradable block copolymers by introducing low-temperature formability

I. Taniguchi, Thao Thi Thu Nguyen, K. Kinugasa and K. Masutani, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, 10, 25446 DOI: 10.1039/D2TA06036A

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