The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Mechanochemistry has emerged as a solvent-free platform in polymer chemistry, offering sustainable routes for polymer synthesis and degradation. This presentation outlines mechanochemical strategies for circular polymer chemistry, spanning from laboratory-scale synthesis to real-world plastic recycling. Polyethers and poly(methyl methacrylate) derivatives were synthesized via solid-state polymerizations using various monomers. Building on these insights, mechanochemical degradation strategies were applied to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Through sequential dehydrochlorination and epoxidation, oxirane mechanophores were incorporated into PVC, enabling force-induced degradation into water-soluble fragments. PET was depolymerized into terephthalic acid under basic conditions. Selective depolymerization was achieved even in PVC/PET mixtures. This presentation highlights the potential of mechanochemistry in advancing circular polymer technologies.