Fully Recyclable Triblock Polyester with Tunable Performance Constructed from Biobased δ-Valerolactones

Abstract

Abstract Polyolefins dominate the plastic industry due to their versatility and productivity. However, excessive plastic use and inadequate recycling have led to a waste crisis. This study presents a novel strategy for developing chemically recyclable polyesters with varied mechanical properties from elastomers to thermoplastics by constructing triblock polymers containing hard and soft segments using living ring-opening polymerization of lactone as alternatives to polyolefins. Triblock polymers combine excellent mechanical properties and good thermal properties comparable to commercial polyolefins. Post-use, various plastics can be combined and effectively broken down into their original monomers for repolymerization, enabling a closed-loop recycling process.