Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The recycling of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is challenging due to difficulties with sorting and contamination, leading to environmental harm. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are at the forefront of high-performance biodegradable alternatives to olefinic plastics, but few offer LDPE-like properties such as low strength and crystallinity while maintaining high ductility and thermal stability. Herein, we report a series of isoenriched trans -poly(3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrates) ( trans -PHMBs) with tunable mechanical and thermal properties. These polymers were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of racemic trans -3,4-dimethylpropiolactone ( rac-trans -DMPL), sourced from C1 and C4 feedstocks, using a new class of “sandwich” C 2 symmetric rac -( Ar BDI*)ZnO i Pr catalysts (where BDI = β-diketiminate). Variation of aromatic groups (Ar) and polymerization temperature yielded mm %s between 45–79% and melting temperatures ( T m ) between 141–174 °C. trans -PHMB with intermediate isotacticities of 73 and 75 mm % exhibit similar stress–strain profiles to LDPE, indicating that these polymers have the potential to serve as higher melting, degradable substitutes for LDPE.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6c08149
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G222768804, DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF NEW CATALYSTS FOR HETEROCYCLE CARBONYLATION, DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF NEW CATALYSTS FOR HETEROCYCLE CARBONYLATION, DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF CARBONYLATION CATALYSTS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS, Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), G948181897
OpenAlex ID: W7164992507