Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DEPO (Reversing Controlled Radical Polymerisation: Towards Complete Depolymerisation)
Período documentado: 2022-03-01 hasta 2023-08-31
We currently focus on switching from an uncontrolled to a controlled depolymerization through our developed system thus leading to the gradual unzipping of the polymer chains.
First, we have developed the first example of a high conversion depolymerization method for polymers obtained by RAFT polymerization. Not only are we able to regenerate up to 92% of the starting monomer but we can also depolymerize a range of polymethacrylates including the common polymethylmethacrylate, also referred to as PlexiGlass.
We then showed that light can significantly improve the depolymerize rate and conversion.
By the end of this project, we expect to have developed a controlled depolymerization approach which is envisioned to contribute towards chemical recycling.