Leveraging mechanochemistry for sustainable polymer degradation

Simay Aydonat, Adrian H. Hergesell, Claire L. Seitzinger, Regina Lennarz, George Chang, Carsten Sievers*, Jan Meisner*, Ina Vollmer*, Robert Göstl*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Over 8 billion tons of plastic have been produced to date, and a 100% reclamation recycling strategy is not foreseeable. This review summarizes how the mechanochemistry of polymers may contribute to a sustainable polymer future by controlling the degradation not only of de novo developed designer polymers but also of plastics in existing waste streams. The historical development of polymer mechanochemistry is presented while highlighting current examples of mechanochemically induced polymer degradation. Additionally, theoretical and computational frameworks are discussed that may lead to the discovery and better understanding of new mechanochemical reactions in the future. This review takes into account technical and engineering perspectives converging the fields of trituration and polymer mechanochemistry with a particular focus on the fate of commodity polymers and potential technologies to monitor mechanochemical reactions while they occur. Therefore, a unique perspective of multiple communities is presented, highlighting the need for future transdisciplinary research to tackle the high-leverage parameters governing an eventually successful mechanochemical degradation approach for a circular economy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)249–268
Number of pages20
JournalPolymer Journal
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, The Author(s).

Funding

FundersFunder number
Federal Ministry of Education and Research for 031B1148A
National Science Foundation2028998
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft503981124
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk OnderzoekOCENW.XS22.1.093

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