Simultaneous Degradation‐Depolymerization of Bioderived Comb Copolymers
Abstract
Abstract Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most widely explored biodegradable alternative for polystyrene; however, its low toughness and glass transition temperature may limit its wider adoption as a sustainable replacement. To improve its material and thermal properties, PLA can be chemically or physically combined with other polymers, like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), though the incorporation of vinyl‐based polymer components complicates chemical recycling and reduces the sustainability of the material. In this study, we synthesized polymethacrylate‐PLA comb copolymers designed to be thermally deconstructed. Our design strategically extends current polymer deconstruction methodologies to more complex macromolecular systems. Thermally labile units within the polymethacrylate backbone permitted depolymerization that was concurrent with PLA side chain degradation during heating. This dual degradation‐depolymerization process enhances the overall sustainability of lactide/vinyl‐based copolymers and demonstrates the synergistic potential of integrating multiple deconstruction pathways into a single system. This report elaborates on the design of advanced, degradable copolymers, contributing to the further development of sustainable polymer materials.
Article Details
Authors (9)
Megan E. Lott
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry
Lucas M. Aburaya
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering Department of Chemistry University of Florida PO Box 117200 Gainesville Florida 32611–7200 USA
Rhys W. Hughes
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry
Lauren E. Mann
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering Department of Chemistry University of Florida PO Box 117200 Gainesville Florida 32611–7200 USA
James B. Young
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry
Cabell B. Eades
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry
Florencia Merlino
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry
Claire T. Su
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering Department of Chemistry University of Florida PO Box 117200 Gainesville Florida 32611–7200 USA
Brent S. Sumerlin
George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry