Function Meets Circularity: Metal–Ionomer Cross-Links Toughen and Recycle CO2‑Derived Polymers
Kam C. Poon, Thomas M. McGuire, Chang Gao, Gregory S. Sulley, Charlotte K. Williams
TL;DR
Scientists created tough, recyclable polymers from CO2 and natural materials using dynamic metal links that improve strength and allow recycling.
Contribution
A dual-function approach using dynamic metal–ionomer cross-links to enhance polymer performance and enable closed-loop recycling.
Findings
Polymers with 150% increased tensile strength and >1500% strain at break were achieved using dynamic metal cross-links.
Original monomers were recovered through energy-efficient depolymerization at 200 °C using the same cross-links as catalysts.
Abstract
Designing polymers that combine performance with sustainability remains a critical challenge. Here, we report high-performance elastomers derived from CO2 and biobased monomers that integrate both mechanical toughness and closed-loop chemical recyclability through a single material feature: dynamic metal–ionomer cross-links. These ABA block polymers, synthesized from ε-decalactone, δ-jasmolactone, CO2, and bicyclic epoxides, incorporate abundant and inexpensive metal carboxylates (Na(I), Zn(II), and Al(III)) into the midblock, forming reversible networks that enhance tensile strength by 150% while maintaining high strain at break (>1500%) and elastic recovery (>85%). The same cross-links act as built-in catalysts, enabling energy-efficient depolymerization of both polyester and polycarbonate domains at 200 °C, recovering the original monomers. This dual-function approach advances…
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Taxonomy
TopicsCarbon dioxide utilization in catalysis · Polymer composites and self-healing · biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties