Closed‐Loop Recycling of Poly(Imine‐Carbonate) Derived from Plastic Waste and Bio‐based Resources

Abstract

Closed‐loop recycling of polymers represents the key technology to convert plastic waste in a sustainable fashion. Efficient chemical recycling and upcycling strategies are thus highly sought‐after to establish a circular plastic economy. Here, we present the selective chemical depolymerization of polycarbonate by employing a vanillin derivative as bio‐based feedstock. The resulting di‐vanillin carbonate monomer was used in combination with various amines to construct a library of reprocessable poly(imine‐carbonate)s, which show tailor‐made thermal and mechanical properties. These novel poly(imine‐carbonate)s exhibit excellent recyclability under acidic and energy‐efficient conditions. This allows the recovery of monomers in high yields and purity for immediate reuse, even when mixed with various commodity plastics. This work provides exciting new insights in the design of bio‐based circular polymers produced by upcycling of plastic waste with minimal environmental impact.

Recyclable, Degradable, and Fully Bio-Based Covalent Adaptable Polymer Networks Enabled by a Dynamic Diacetal Motif

“…Recent progress in covalently adaptable networks has demonstrated the recyclability of networks through strategic embedding of dynamic covalent bonds. − However, the recycling of these materials may highly rely on the collection process, and materials that inevitably escape the process will go to the environment, challenging the nature’s digesting process even though these materials are recyclable. Hence, recyclable materials that are simultaneously degradable would be more desirable in the context of being applied to commodity products. − …”

Self‐Healable, Malleable, Ecofriendly Recyclable and Robust Polyimine Thermosets Derived from Trifluoromethyl Diphenoxybenzene Backbones

“…In the absence of effective measures, the cumulative quantity of plastic wastes going into oceans was predicted to increase by an order of magnitude by 2025 [2] . Thus, the huge consumption of plastics worldwide and their extremely low recycling rate result in major scientific challenges in developing countries due to the lack of amenities and technological interventions [3] . To pursue green and circular development, designing plastic products with a sustainable service life could be a feasible strategy [4] .…”

“…To pursue green and circular development, designing plastic products with a sustainable service life could be a feasible strategy [4] . For example, plastic wastes can be effectively rehealed or recycled, so that this provides an access to upcycled polymeric materials and thereby greatly reduces the disposal of plastic wastes [3,5] …”

Strong and Tough Supramolecular Covalent Adaptable Networks with Room‐Temperature Closed‐Loop Recyclability

“…DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208619 offers a sustainable system for monomerpolymer-monomer circulation. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The recovered monomers can be reused in the reproduction of the same polymers or the production of new materials with distinct properties. Furthermore, CRM could enable the removal of additives from the recycled monomers/polymers, and also the recycling of the polymers from mixed polymer wastes.…”