Circularity in polymers: addressing performance and sustainability challenges using dynamic covalent chemistries
| Author(s) | Yan, Tianwei | |
| Author(s) | Balzer, Alex H. | |
| Author(s) | Herbert, Katie M. | |
| Author(s) | Epps, Thomas H. III | |
| Author(s) | Korley, LaShanda T. J. | |
| Date Accessioned | 2023-07-27T18:38:38Z | |
| Date Available | 2023-07-27T18:38:38Z | |
| Publication Date | 2023-05-05 | |
| Description | This article was originally published in Chemical Science. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00551H. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry | |
| Abstract | The circularity of current and future polymeric materials is a major focus of fundamental and applied research, as undesirable end-of-life outcomes and waste accumulation are global problems that impact our society. The recycling or repurposing of thermoplastics and thermosets is an attractive solution to these issues, yet both options are encumbered by poor property retention upon reuse, along with heterogeneities in common waste streams that limit property optimization. Dynamic covalent chemistry, when applied to polymeric materials, enables the targeted design of reversible bonds that can be tailored to specific reprocessing conditions to help address conventional recycling challenges. In this review, we highlight the key features of several dynamic covalent chemistries that can promote closed-loop recyclability and we discuss recent synthetic progress towards incorporating these chemistries into new polymers and existing commodity plastics. Next, we outline how dynamic covalent bonds and polymer network structure influence thermomechanical properties related to application and recyclability, with a focus on predictive physical models that describe network rearrangement. Finally, we examine the potential economic and environmental impacts of dynamic covalent polymeric materials in closed-loop processing using elements derived from techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment, including minimum selling prices and greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout each section, we discuss interdisciplinary obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of dynamic polymers and present opportunities and new directions toward the realization of circularity in polymeric materials. | |
| Sponsor | This work was supported as part of the Center for Plastics Innovation, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, under award DE-SC0021166. | |
| Citation | Yan, Tianwei, Alex H. Balzer, Katie M. Herbert, Thomas H. Epps, and LaShanda T. J. Korley. “Circularity in Polymers: Addressing Performance and Sustainability Challenges Using Dynamic Covalent Chemistries.” Chemical Science 14, no. 20 (2023): 5243–65. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00551H. | |
| ISSN | 2041-6539 | |
| URL | https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/33041 | |
| Language | en_US | |
| Publisher | Chemical Science | |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ | |
| Keywords | responsible consumption and production | |
| Keywords | climate action | |
| Title | Circularity in polymers: addressing performance and sustainability challenges using dynamic covalent chemistries | |
| Type | Article |
Files
Original bundle
1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
- Name:
- Circularity in polymers addressing performance.pdf
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
- Format:
- Adobe Portable Document Format
- Description:
- Main article
License bundle
1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
- Name:
- license.txt
- Size:
- 2.22 KB
- Format:
- Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
- Description: