1
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Schwab S, Baur M, Nelson TF, Mecking S. Synthesis and Deconstruction of Polyethylene-type Materials. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2327-2351. [PMID: 38408312 PMCID: PMC10941192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene deconstruction to reusable smaller molecules is hindered by the chemical inertness of its hydrocarbon chains. Pyrolysis and related approaches commonly require high temperatures, are energy-intensive, and yield mixtures of multiple classes of compounds. Selective cleavage reactions under mild conditions (
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon
T. Schwab
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Maximilian Baur
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Taylor F. Nelson
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Mecking
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
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2
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Wink R, Majumdar S, van Benthem RATM, Heuts JPA, Sijbesma RP. RNA-inspired phosphate diester dynamic covalent networks. Polym Chem 2023; 14:4294-4302. [PMID: 38013800 PMCID: PMC10520920 DOI: 10.1039/d3py00867c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Neighboring group assisted rearrangement substantially increases relaxation rates in dynamic covalent networks, allowing easier (re)processing of these materials. In this work, we introduce a dynamic covalent network with anionic phosphate diesters as the sole dynamic group, incorporating β-hydroxy groups as a neighboring group, mimicking the self-cleaving backbone structure of RNA. The diester-based networks have slightly slower dynamics, but significantly better hydrolytic (and thermal) stability than analogous phosphate triester-based networks. Catalysis by the β-hydroxy group is vital for fast network rearrangement to occur, while the nature of the counterion has a negligible effect on the relaxation rate. Variable temperature 31P solid-state NMR demonstrated a dissociative bond rearrangement mechanism to be operative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Wink
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Soumabrata Majumdar
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Rolf A T M van Benthem
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry. Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Shell Energy Transition Center Amsterdam Grasweg 31 1031 HW Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Johan P A Heuts
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Rint P Sijbesma
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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3
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Eck M, Bernabeu L, Mecking S. Polyethylene-Like Blends Amenable to Abiotic Hydrolytic Degradation. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:4523-4530. [PMID: 37008182 PMCID: PMC10052336 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c07537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain aliphatic polyester-18,18 (PE-18,18) exhibits high density polyethylene-like material properties and, as opposed to high density polyethylene (HDPE), can be recycled in a closed loop via depolymerization to monomers under mild conditions. Despite the in-chain ester groups, its high crystallinity and hydrophobicity render PE-18,18 stable toward hydrolysis even under acidic conditions for one year. Hydrolytic degradability, however, can be a desirable material property as it can serve as a universal backstop to plastic accumulation in the environment. We present an approach to render PE-18,18 hydrolytically degradable by melt blending with long-chain aliphatic poly(H-phosphonate)s (PP). The blends can be processed via common injection molding and 3D printing and exhibit HDPE-like tensile properties, namely, high stiffness (E = 750-940 MPa) and ductility (εtb = 330-460%) over a wide range of blend ratios (0.5-20 wt % PP content). Likewise, the orthorhombic solid-state structure and crystallinity (χ ≈ 70%) of the blends are similar to HDPE. Under aqueous conditions in phosphate-buffered media at 25 °C, the blends' PP component is hydrolyzed completely to the underlying long-chain diol and phosphorous acid within four months, as evidenced by NMR analyses. Concomitant, the PE-18,18 major blend component is partially hydrolyzed, while neat PE-18,18 is inert under identical conditions. The hydrolysis of the blend components proceeded throughout the bulk of the specimens as confirmed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. The significant molar mass reduction upon extended immersion in water (M n(virgin blends) ≈ 50-70 kg mol-1; M n(hydrolyzed blends) ≈ 7-11 kg mol-1) resulted in embrittlement and fragmentation of the injection molded specimens. This increases the surface area and is anticipated to promote eventual mineralization by abiotic and biotic pathways of these HDPE-like polyesters in the environment.
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4
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Haider TP, Suraeva O, Lieberwirth I, Paneth P, Wurm FR. RNA-inspired intramolecular transesterification accelerates the hydrolysis of polyethylene-like polyphosphoesters. Chem Sci 2021; 12:16054-16064. [PMID: 35024127 PMCID: PMC8672729 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05509g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To synthesize new (bio)degradable alternatives to commodity polymers, adapting natural motives can be a promising approach. We present the synthesis and characterization of degradable polyethylene (PE)-like polyphosphoesters, which exhibit increased degradation rates due to an intra-molecular transesterification similar to RNA. An α,ω-diene monomer was synthesized in three steps starting from readily available compounds. By acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, PE-like polymers with molecular weights up to 38 400 g mol-1 were obtained. Post-polymerization functionalization gave fully saturated and semicrystalline polymers with a precise spacing of 20 CH2 groups between each phosphate group carrying an ethoxy hydroxyl side chain. This side chain was capable of intramolecular transesterification with the main-chain similar to RNA-hydrolysis, mimicking the 2'-OH group of ribose. Thermal properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC (T m ca. 85 °C)) and the crystal structure was investigated by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Polymer films immersed in aqueous solutions at different pH values proved an accelerated degradation compared to structurally similar polyphosphoesters without pendant ethoxy hydroxyl groups. Polymer degradation proceeded also in artificial seawater (pH = 8), while the polymer was stable at physiological pH of 7.4. The degradation mechanism followed the intra-molecular "RNA-inspired" transesterification which was detected by NMR spectroscopy as well as by monitoring the hydrolysis of a polymer blend of a polyphosphoester without pendant OH-group and the RNA-inspired polymer, proving selective hydrolysis of the latter. This mechanism has been further supported by the DFT calculations. The "RNA-inspired" degradation of polymers could play an important part in accelerating the hydrolysis of polymers and plastics in natural environments, e.g. seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias P Haider
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Oksana Suraeva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Ingo Lieberwirth
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Piotr Paneth
- International Center for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology Zeromskiego 116 90-924 Lodz Poland
| | - Frederik R Wurm
- Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiteit Twente PO Box 217 7500 AE Enschede The Netherlands
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5
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Payne J, Jones MD. The Chemical Recycling of Polyesters for a Circular Plastics Economy: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:4041-4070. [PMID: 33826253 PMCID: PMC8518041 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Whilst plastics have played an instrumental role in human development, growing environmental concerns have led to increasing public scrutiny and demands for outright bans. This has stimulated considerable research into renewable alternatives, and more recently, the development of alternative waste management strategies. Herein, the aim was to highlight recent developments in the catalytic chemical recycling of two commercial polyesters, namely poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The concept of chemical recycling is first introduced, and associated opportunities/challenges are discussed within the context of the governing depolymerisation thermodynamics. Chemical recycling methods for PLA and PET are then discussed, with a particular focus on upcycling and the use of metal-based catalysts. Finally, the attention shifts to the emergence of new materials with the potential to modernise the plastics economy. Emerging opportunities and challenges are discussed within the context of industrial feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Payne
- Centre for Sustainable and Circular TechnologiesUniversity of Bath Claverton DownBathBA2 7AYUK
| | - Matthew D. Jones
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Bath Claverton DownBathBA2 7AYUK
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6
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Majumdar S, Mezari B, Zhang H, van Aart J, van Benthem RATM, Heuts JPA, Sijbesma RP. Efficient Exchange in a Bioinspired Dynamic Covalent Polymer Network via a Cyclic Phosphate Triester Intermediate. Macromolecules 2021; 54:7955-7962. [PMID: 34552277 PMCID: PMC8444552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bond exchange via neighboring group-assisted reactions in dynamic covalent networks results in efficient mechanical relaxation. In Nature, the high reactivity of RNA toward nucleophilic substitution is largely attributed to the formation of a cyclic phosphate ester intermediate via neighboring group participation. We took inspiration from RNA to develop a dynamic covalent network based on β-hydroxyl-mediated transesterifications of hydroxyethyl phosphate triesters. A simple one-step synthetic strategy provided a network containing phosphate triesters with a pendant hydroxyethyl group. 31P solid-state NMR demonstrated that a cyclic phosphate triester is an intermediate in transesterification, leading to dissociative network rearrangement. Significant viscous flow at 60-100 °C makes the material suitable for fast processing via extrusion and compression molding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumabrata Majumdar
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex
Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Brahim Mezari
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Inorganic Materials
and Catalysis, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Huiyi Zhang
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex
Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Aart
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf A. T. M. van Benthem
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- DSM
Materials Science Center, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan P. A. Heuts
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex
Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rint P. Sijbesma
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex
Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University
of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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7
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Abstract
The development of degradable polymers has commanded significant attention over the past half century. Approaches have predominantly relied on ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters (e.g., lactones, lactides) and N-carboxyanhydrides, as well as radical ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic ketene acetals. In recent years, there has been a significant effort applied to expand the family of degradable polymers accessible via olefin metathesis polymerization. Given the excellent functional group tolerance of olefin metathesis polymerization reactions generally, a broad range of conceivable degradable moieties can be incorporated into appropriate monomers and thus into polymer backbones. This approach has proven particularly versatile in synthesizing a broad spectrum of degradable polymers including poly(ester), poly(amino acid), poly(acetal), poly(carbonate), poly(phosphoester), poly(phosphoramidate), poly(enol ether), poly(azobenzene), poly(disulfide), poly(sulfonate ester), poly(silyl ether), and poly(oxazinone) among others. In this review, we will highlight the main olefin metathesis polymerization strategies that have been used to access degradable polymers, including (i) acyclic diene metathesis polymerization, (ii) entropy-driven and (iii) enthalpy-driven ring-opening metathesis polymerization, as well as (iv) cascade enyne metathesis polymerization. In addition, the livingness or control of polymerization reactions via different strategies are highlighted and compared. Potential applications, challenges and future perspectives of this new library of degradable polyolefins are discussed. It is clear from recent and accelerating developments in this field that olefin metathesis polymerization represents a powerful synthetic tool towards degradable polymers with novel structures and properties inaccessible by other polymerization approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for
Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yifei Liang
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for
Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Matthew P. Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for
Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Nathan C. Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for
Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Chemistry of Life
Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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8
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Haider T, Suraeva O, Lieberwirth I, Wurm FR. Terpyridine-Induced Folding of Anisotropic Polyphosphoester Platelets. ACS POLYMERS AU 2021; 1:123-130. [PMID: 36855426 PMCID: PMC9954280 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.1c00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The folding of macromolecules is of great importance in nature. Also in synthetic polymer chemistry, single-chain nanoparticles, i.e. folding synthetic macromolecules, are a current research topic to mimic protein folding and to generate well-defined structures. Here, we present the "folding" of anisotropic polymer platelets to further mimic natural folding processes on the (sub)micrometer scale. We report on the synthesis of terpyridine-functionalized long-chain polyphosphoesters by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization that can crystallize in dilute solution into anisotropic polymer crystal platelets. As the terpyridine units are expelled to the platelet surface, terpyridine-metal interactions could be induced by adding nickel(II) bis(acetylacetonate) (Ni(acac)2) to the platelet dispersion in ethyl acetate. These polymer crystals were "folded" to homogeneous nanoparticles with a wrinkled structure, which were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size and size distribution of the obtained assemblies could be altered by varying the concentration of Ni(acac)2. In contrast, no wrinkled structures but rather intrachain cross-linking was observed, when Ni(acac)2 was added to the homogeneous polymer solution before crystallization. We believe that this concept of "folding" anisotropic polymer platelets will further enhance the control of morphologies on (sub)micrometer particles and might be useful for catalysis or separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias
P. Haider
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Oksana Suraeva
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ingo Lieberwirth
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Frederik R. Wurm
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany,Sustainable
Polymer Chemistry, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute
for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiteit Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands,Email for F.R.W.:
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9
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Hewitt DRO, Grubbs RB. Amine-Catalyzed Chain Polymerization of Ethyl Glyoxylate from Alcohol and Thiol Initiators. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:370-374. [PMID: 35549067 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Polyacetals have significant potential as degradable polymers, but aldehyde polymerizations are generally difficult to control. Here we show that polymerization of ethyl glyoxylate can be initiated from alcohols or thiols by activation with triethylamine to afford poly(ethyl glyoxylate) with controllable molecular weights and relatively low dispersities (Đ = 1.3-1.4), as evidenced by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Stabilization against depolymerization by chain-capping with benzyl chloroformate was found to proceed without side reactions observed from chain-capping with tolyl isocyanate. The use of the stronger base DBU leads to competing side reactions that limit polymer molecular weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. O. Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Robert B. Grubbs
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
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10
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Majumdar S, Zhang H, Soleimani M, van Benthem RATM, Heuts JPA, Sijbesma RP. Phosphate Triester Dynamic Covalent Networks. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1753-1758. [PMID: 35653678 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent networks are a class of polymeric materials that combine the merits of classical thermosets and thermoplastics, in terms of mechanical properties and reprocessability, in one material. Various dynamic covalent chemistries have thus been implemented in polymeric materials with recent interests shifting toward chemistries that would allow rearrangements in network topology without the aid of external catalysts. Here we introduce transesterification in phosphate triesters as a new dynamic covalent chemistry in polymeric networks. A simple one-step synthetic strategy has been utilized to synthesize polytetrahydrofuran networks with phosphate triester cross-links. The materials showed finite viscous flow at elevated temperatures via transesterification at the cross-links without externally added catalyst. This approach provides an easy method for cross-linking OH-end-functionalized polyethers and has the potential for general use with other OH-functionalized polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumabrata Majumdar
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Huiyi Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf A. T. M. van Benthem
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- DSM Materials Science Center, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan P. A. Heuts
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rint P. Sijbesma
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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11
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Tee H, Koynov K, Reichel T, Wurm FR. Noncovalent Hydrogen Bonds Tune the Mechanical Properties of Phosphoester Polyethylene Mimics. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:9324-9332. [PMID: 31172047 PMCID: PMC6545546 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene mimics of semicrystalline polyphosphoesters (PPEs) with an adjustable amount of noncovalent cross-links were synthesized. Acyclic diene metathesis copolymerization of a phosphoric acid triester (M1) with a novel phosphoric acid diester monomer (M2) was achieved. PPEs with different co-monomer ratios and 0, 20, 40, and 100% of phosphodiester content were synthesized. The phosphodiester groups result in supramolecular interactions between the polymer chains, with the P-OH functionality as an H-bond donor and the P=O group as an H-bond acceptor. A library of unsaturated and saturated PPEs was prepared and analyzed in detail by NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, rheology, and stress-strain measurements. The introduction of the supramolecular cross-links into the aliphatic and hydrophobic PPEs showed a significant impact on the material properties: increased glass-transition and melting temperatures were observed and an increase in the storage modulus of the polymers was achieved. This specific combination of a flexible aliphatic backbone and a supramolecular H-bonding interaction between the chains was maximized in the homopolymer of the phosphodiester monomer, which featured additional properties, such as shape-memory properties, and polymer samples could be healed after cutting. The P-OH groups also showed a strong adhesion toward metal surfaces, which was used together with the shape-memory function in a model device that responds to a temperature stimulus with shape change. This systematic variation of phosphodiesters/phosphotriesters in polyethylene mimics further underlines the versatility of the phosphorus chemistry to build up complex macromolecular architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisaschi
T. Tee
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kaloian Koynov
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Reichel
- Heraeus
Medical, Philipp-Reis-Straße 8/13, 61273 Wehrheim, Germany
| | - Frederik R. Wurm
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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