Tailoring the Properties of Chemically Recyclable Polyethylene‐Like Multiblock Polymers by Modulating the Branch Structure
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- Department of Chemistry Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
- Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden CO 80401 USA, BOTTLE Consortium Golden CO 80401 USA
- Department of Chemistry Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 USA, School of Materials Science and Engineering Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
Abstract Developing plastics that fill the need of polyolefins yet are more easily recyclable is a critical need to address the plastic waste crisis. However, most efforts in this vein have focused on high‐density polyethylene (PE), while many different types of PE exist. To create broadly sustainable PE with modular properties, we present the synthesis, characterization, and demonstration of materials applications for chemically recyclable PE‐like multiblock polymers prepared from distinct hard and soft blocks using ruthenium‐catalyzed dehydrogenative polymerization. By altering the branching pattern within the soft blocks, a series of PE‐like multiblock polymers were synthesized with tunable glass transition temperatures ( T g ) while maintaining consistent high melting temperatures ( T m ). A clear U‐shape trend between T g and mechanical properties was found, showcasing their potential as sustainable materials with tailored properties spanning commercial linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). These materials offer adjustable adhesive strength to metal and demonstrate chemical recyclability and selective depolymerization in mixed plastic streams, promoting circularity and separation.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH); USDOE; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308; SC0022290
- OSTI ID:
- 2476082
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/JA--2800-90552; e202415707
- Journal Information:
- Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), Journal Name: Angewandte Chemie (International Edition) Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 64; ISSN 1433-7851
- Publisher:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- Germany
- Language:
- English
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