Closed-loop recycling of sulfur-rich polymers with tunable properties spanning thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers

Jin-Zhuo Zhao, Tian-Jun Yue, Bai-Hao Ren, Xiao-Bing Lu and Wei-Min Ren ()
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Jin-Zhuo Zhao: Dalian University of Technology
Tian-Jun Yue: Dalian University of Technology
Bai-Hao Ren: Dalian University of Technology
Xiao-Bing Lu: Dalian University of Technology
Wei-Min Ren: Dalian University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The development of closed-loop recycling polymers that exhibit excellent performance is of great significance. Sulfur-rich polymers possessing excellent optical, thermal, and mechanical properties are promising candidates for chemical recycling but lack efficient synthetic strategies for achieving diverse structures. Herein, we report a universal synthetic strategy for producing polytrithiocarbonates, a class of sulfur-rich polymers, via the polycondensation of dithiols and dimethyl trithiocarbonate. This strategy has excellent compatibility with a wide range of monomers, including aliphatic, heteroatomic, and aromatic dithiols enabling the synthesis of polytrithiocarbonates with diverse structures. The present synthesis strategy offers a versatile platform for the construction of thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers. Notably, these polytrithiocarbonates can be easily depolymerized via solvolysis into the corresponding monomers, which can be repolymerized to virgin polymers without changing the material properties.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47382-6

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