The ring-opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and the reversed ring-closing depolymerization of corresponding polymers with neutral thermodynamics are broadly explored to establish a circular economy of nex...The ring-opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and the reversed ring-closing depolymerization of corresponding polymers with neutral thermodynamics are broadly explored to establish a circular economy of next-generation plastics.Polythioesters(PTEs),analogues of polyesters,are emerging materials for this purpose due to their high refractive index,high crystallinity,dynamic property and responsiveness.In this work,we synthesize and polymerize a series of D-penicillamine-derivedβ-thiolactones(NRPenTL)with varied side chain alkyl groups,and study the structure-property relationship of the resulting polymers.The obtained PTEs exhibit tunable glass transition temperature in a wide range of 130–50℃,and melting temperature of 90–105℃.In addition,copolymerizations of monomers with different side chains are effective in modulating material properties.The obtained homo and copolymers can be fully depolymerized to recycle monomers.This work provides a robust molecular platform and detailed structure-property relationship of PTEs with potential of achieving sustainable plastics.展开更多
基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.22125101).
文摘The ring-opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and the reversed ring-closing depolymerization of corresponding polymers with neutral thermodynamics are broadly explored to establish a circular economy of next-generation plastics.Polythioesters(PTEs),analogues of polyesters,are emerging materials for this purpose due to their high refractive index,high crystallinity,dynamic property and responsiveness.In this work,we synthesize and polymerize a series of D-penicillamine-derivedβ-thiolactones(NRPenTL)with varied side chain alkyl groups,and study the structure-property relationship of the resulting polymers.The obtained PTEs exhibit tunable glass transition temperature in a wide range of 130–50℃,and melting temperature of 90–105℃.In addition,copolymerizations of monomers with different side chains are effective in modulating material properties.The obtained homo and copolymers can be fully depolymerized to recycle monomers.This work provides a robust molecular platform and detailed structure-property relationship of PTEs with potential of achieving sustainable plastics.