Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DEPO (Reversing Controlled Radical Polymerisation: Towards Complete Depolymerisation)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-03-01 al 2023-08-31
This project aims to develop a quantitative and room temperature controlled radical depolymerization method whereby the polymer chains will unzip gradually leading to the possibility to handle the molecular weight during the depolymerization. The obtained methods can ultimately be applied to commodity polymers and thus contribute to the chemical recycling of plastics.
So far, we have been able to develop a near-quantitive depolymerization method (up to 92%) which though operates at relatively high temperatures (120 degrees celcius). To lower the depolymerization temperature, we have started exploring the effect of visible light irradiation in accelleration the depolymerization rate but also in achieving even higher conversions.
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.
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.
So far, we have been able to make a lot of progress beyong the state of the art.
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.
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.