Tutorial Review
Advances in catalytic chemical recycling of synthetic textiles
Catalytic chemical depolymerisation is an emerging technology to recycle synthetic textiles and ultimately to enable a circular textile economy. Homogeneous and heterogeneous systems are reviewed.
Synthesis of cyclic peptide-based [2]rotaxanes via copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition
Cyclic peptide-based [2]rotaxanes were synthesized from cyclo(PG)4 and monocationic ammonium threads via CuAAC, achieving yields of up to 36%.
[Ru]-Catalyzed olefin metathesis and ethenolysis for the synthesis and recycling of bio-based polycarbonates and polycyanurates
Eugenol was converted to an unsaturated polycarbonate and polycyanurate. These polymers were then successfully depolymerized and repolymerized via [Ru]-catalyzed ethenolysis, demonstrating a novel approach to the recycling of bio-based polymers.
Paper
Synthesis and RAFT polymerisation of hydrophobic acrylamide monomers derived from plant oils
Polymeric materials based on fatty acids have been synthesised using RAFT polymerisation. This work demonstrates the potential of biobased monomers, isolated directly from plant oils, for well-defined polymers to develop more sustainable materials.
Polyurethane foam acidolysis with carboxylic acids: acid structure dictates N-containing product distribution and kinetics
Spectroscopic characterization and kinetic studies elucidate the influence of dicarboxylic acid (DCA) structure on the formation of amide/imide products during chemical recycling of a flexible polyurethane foam (PUF).
About this collection
It is estimated that more than 300 million tons of synthetic polymeric materials are being produced every year and most are made from petroleum-based feedstocks. As the global consumption of polymers increases each year, this puts an unsustainable demand on our finite and non-renewable fossil fuel resources. In addition, the ever-growing quantity of polymers becoming waste at the end of their life presents serious environmental problems due to their persistence and potential ecotoxicity. This themed collection showcases cutting-edge research and advancements in developing more sustainable methods to tackle these global challenges.
The collection includes (but is not limited to) green synthetic approaches to polymers, polymers derived from renewable monomers/feedstock and agricultural waste, bio-based vitrimers, thermosets and resins, Life cycle analysis of polymers, upcycling end-of-life polymers and machine learning for sustainable polymers.
Guest Edited by: Maiyong Zhu (Jiangsu University), Gerard Lligadas (Universitat Rovira i Virgili), Fiona L. Hatton (Loughborough University), Garret Miyake (Colorado State University), and Antoine Buchard (University of York).