Work

From Polymers to Rings and Back Again: Chemical Recycling of Polyesters to Macrolactones

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cyclic anhydride and epoxide ring‐opening copolymerization is a versatile and controlled route to make polyesters, gaining attention in different application sectors. But so far, the chemical recycling of these polyesters to cyclic monomers is under‐explored. Here, the catalytic chemical recycling of aliphatic polyesters to selectively form 16‐ and 18‐membered lactones is presented. The recycling reactions are catalyzed using commercial tin(II) octoate and conducted in the polymer melt (230 °C) resulting in high conversions to the macrolactones (>90%). The recycled macrolactones undergo catalyzed ring‐opening polymerizations to produce polyesters with equivalent properties to the virgin materials.

Source: Angewandte Chemie

DOI: 10.1002/ange.202423478

Authors: Madeleine L. Smith, Thomas M. McGuire, Ryan W. F. Kerr, Charlotte K. Williams

Institution: University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790