Insights into substitution strategy towards thermodynamic and property regulation of chemically recyclable polymers

The development of chemically recyclable polymers serves as an attractive approach to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Monomer design principle is the key to achieving chemical recycling to monomer. Herein, we provide a systematic investigation to evaluate a range of substitution effects and structure-property relationships in the e-caprolactone (CL) system. Thermodynamic and recyclability studies reveal that the substituent size and position could regulate their ceiling temperatures (T-c). Impressively, M4 equipped with a tert-butyl group displays a T-c of 241 degrees C. A series of spirocyclic acetal-functionalized CLs prepared by a facile two-step reaction undergo efficient ring-opening polymerization and subsequent depolymerization. The resulting polymers demonstrate various thermal properties and a transformation of the mechanical performance from brittleness to ductility. Notably, the toughness and ductility of P(M13) is comparable to the commodity plastic isotactic polypropylene. This comprehensive study is aimed to provide a guideline to the future monomer design towards chemically recyclable polymers. The global plastic pollution crisis can be mitigated by developing chemically recyclable polymers following the monomer design principle. Here, the authors evaluate substitution effects and structure-property relationships in the e-caprolactone system to guide the design of monomers for the preparation of chemically recyclable polymers.