We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Miniemulsion Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization (rROP) of Phenyl Thionophthalide for Degradable Polymer Particle Synthesis: Laplace Pressure Works Key Role for rROP
Summary
Researchers synthesized main-chain-degradable polymer nanoparticles via miniemulsion radical ring-opening polymerization using the thionolactone monomer 3-phenylthionophthalide, achieving colloidally stable particles with high monomer conversion and complete ring-opening. The approach demonstrates that Laplace pressure in miniemulsion droplets plays a key role in enabling rROP, opening a route to degradable polymer particles designed to minimize microplastic persistence.
Radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) has emerged as a promising strategy for introducing degradable linkages into polymer backbones, particularly through the use of thionolactone derivatives. However, the development of suitable monomers and their application in aqueous heterogeneous systems remain limited. In this study, we report the synthesis of main-chain-degradable polymer particles via miniemulsion rROP using 3-phenylthionophthalide (PTP), a newly designed five-membered thionophthalide monomer. Copolymerization of PTP with n-butyl acrylate (nBA) yielded colloidally stable poly(nBA-co-PTP) nanoparticles with high monomer conversion and complete ring-opening in the miniemulsion system. Comparative studies with structurally related thionophthalide derivatives revealed that the presence of two benzene rings in PTP plays a crucial role not only in promoting efficient radical ring-opening copolymerization but also in enabling effective aminolytic degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the conversion and ring-opening efficiency of PTP were significantly enhanced in miniemulsion rROP compared to solution polymerization. This enhancement was attributed to Laplace pressure within nanometer-sized droplets, which facilitates the ring-opening process. Additional experiments using suspension polymerization and high-pressure reactors confirmed the pressure-dependent nature of rROP, establishing Laplace pressure as a key factor in promoting degradable polymer synthesis. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into pressure-assisted rROP and offer a versatile strategy for designing environmentally friendly polymer particles in aqueous media, contributing to the development of sustainable materials to address microplastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Miniemulsion Ring-Opening Radical Polymerization with Dibenzo[c,e]oxepan-5-thione for Degradable Polymer Particles
Researchers developed a new technique to synthesize degradable polymer particles using a process called radical ring-opening polymerization in a miniemulsion system, incorporating a ring-opening monomer that introduces ester-thioester bonds into the polymer backbone. The resulting particles broke down when exposed to amine compounds, unlike conventional plastic particles that persist in the environment. This approach offers a potential path toward designing plastic materials that can degrade after use, reducing the generation of persistent microplastics from industrial and consumer products.
Development of an Efficient Thionolactone for Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization by a Combined Theoretical/Experimental Approach
Researchers used DFT calculations to identify a new thionolactone monomer, 7-phenyloxepane-2-thione (POT), optimized for radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) to introduce degradable bonds into commodity polymer backbones. Copolymerization of POT with styrene and acrylate derivatives produced statistical copolymers that degraded efficiently under accelerated conditions, confirming the theoretical design approach for creating degradable plastics.
Interfacial Photocycloaddition Polymerization: Synthetic Approach of Structurally Functionalized Degradable Polymer Particles from Naturally-derived Monomers
Researchers developed degradable polymer capsules from naturally derived monomers via interfacial photocycloaddition polymerization in aqueous heterogeneous systems, requiring no initiators or catalysts, with particles designed to degrade by photolysis and hydrolysis as a marine microplastic-free alternative to non-degradable synthetic capsules used in cosmetics and agrochemicals.
Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media
Researchers developed an efficient method to synthesize hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles using reverse-sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water, enabling controlled nanoparticle formation that can break down under aqueous conditions.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Biodegradable, PLA-Based Exfoliant Microbeads via Droplet Microfluidics for Sustainable Cosmetics
Biodegradable microbeads made from polylactic acid (PLA) were fabricated using droplet microfluidics and shown to degrade significantly faster than conventional plastic microbeads in both aqueous and soil environments. This work directly addresses the microplastic pollution problem in cosmetics by providing a viable, scalable, biodegradable alternative to the polyethylene microbeads that have been banned in many countries.