We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Melt-Blown Cross-Linked Fibers from Thermally Reversible Diels–Alder Polymer Networks
AI summary Read the abstract
New crosslinked polymer fibers were made using a reversible chemical reaction, producing materials that can be remelted and reprocessed. Designing plastics that can be thermally recycled could help reduce the amount of plastic waste that degrades into microplastics in the environment.
Melt blowing is a process in which liquid polymer is extruded through orifices and then drawn by hot air jets to produce nonwoven fibers with average diameters typically greater than one micron. Melt-blown nonwoven fiber products constitute a significant fraction (i.e., more than 10%) of the $50 billion global nonwovens market. Thermoplastic feedstocks, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(phenylene sulfide), and poly(butylene terephthalate), have dominated melt-blown nonwovens because of their combined cost, good chemical resistance, and high-temperature performance. Cross-linked nonwovens from other commodity polymers (e.g., (meth)acrylates, styrenics, silicones, etc.) could be attractive alternatives; however, no commercial cross-linked nonwovens currently exist. Here, cross-linked fibers were produced via one-step melt blowing of thermoreversible Diels-Alder polymer networks comprised of furan- and maleimide-functional methacrylate-based polymer backbones. These dynamic networks de-cross-link and flow like viscous liquids under melt-blowing conditions and then revert to a network via cooling-induced cross-linking during/after melt blowing. Finally, the resulting cross-linked fibers can be recycled after use because of their reversible dynamic nature, which may help address microfiber waste as a significant source of microplastic pollution.
More Papers Like This
Cross-Linked Polyolefins: Opportunities for Fostering Circularity Throughout the Materials Lifecycle
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines cross-linked polyolefins, a significant class of plastics that are typically incinerated or landfilled because they cannot be melted for reprocessing. Researchers assessed both traditional mechanical recycling and advanced recycling methods for improving circularity of these materials. The study highlights opportunities to reduce plastic waste through biobased feedstocks, extended product lifespans, and recyclable-by-design strategies for future cross-linked polyolefin products.
In Situ Compatibilization of Isotactic Polypropylene and High-Density Polyethylene by a Melt Cobranching Reaction
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an in-situ co-branching reaction to compatibilize normally incompatible polypropylene and polyethylene blends during melt processing, enabling mixed plastic waste streams to be recycled into higher quality products. This approach could make it economically viable to recycle mixed polyolefin packaging waste that currently ends up in landfill or the environment.
Highly Dynamic Yet Stable Polyketimine Networks with Closed-Loop Recyclability and Topological Programmability.
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists have created a new type of plastic that's both durable during use and easy to fully recycle back into its original building blocks, without harsh chemicals — solving a long-standing trade-off where sturdy plastics are usually hard to recycle. This matters because most plastics today break down into microplastics or end up in landfills since true recycling is difficult; this new material could offer a path to truly circular plastics that don't accumulate as pollution, potentially reducing our long-term exposure to microplastics in food, water, and air.
Thermo-chemical recycling of plastics as a sustainable approach to the plastic waste issue
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews thermo-chemical recycling as a promising solution for plastic waste, covering pyrolysis, gasification, and related processes that convert plastic into fuels and chemicals. The authors discuss challenges around removing harmful additives, energy consumption, and the need to design polymers with built-in recyclability.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.