Available Technologies

Background

Plastics (synthetic polymers) are widely used as indispensable materials in modern society due to their high functionality and low cost. However, the large volume of used plastics has caused severe environmental issues. Traditional plastic recycling methods can be categorized into two types: physical recycling, which involves mechanical breakdown and separation of materials, and chemical recycling, which decomposes plastics into monomers. In general, the former leads to a decline in the physical properties and functionality of the recycled material, while the latter involves high environmental impact processes.

Description and Advantages

The inventors have developed a novel polymer synthesis method that replaces the conventional "polymer chain entanglement" in linear polymers with "interactions among the terminal groups of highly branched polymers." This approach allows for the simultaneous achievement of "elastomeric properties" and "degradability into monomers," or the ability to control the balance between the two. As a result, it enables the development of recyclable polymer materials. Furthermore, self-healing properties have also been observed, making this technology a promising solution to the global plastic waste problem.

[ Key Features ]
⮚Hyperbranched Polymers
•Hyperbranched polymers with a controlled 3D dendritic structure can be synthesized via the living radical polymerization of monomer molecules (2)*, an organic tellurium polymerization control agent (1), and acrylic acid ester (MA) [Figure 1] (*JP6754124).•The synthesis process is simple, and the branching structure (branch number and branch density) can be easily controlled [Figrure 2].

⮚Formation of "Polymer Aggregated States" via Terminal Group Interactions
By introducing interactive terminal groups at the ends of the multibranched polymer, a "polymer aggregated state" can be formed through terminal group interactions, which leads to plasticorelastomer physical properties appear.

⮚Recyclability
The polymer can be easily decomposed into monomers through a low-energy process using a solvent.

⮚Self-Healing Properties