Preparation of Block Copolymers by a Sequential Transesterification Strategy: A Feasible Route for Upcycling End-of-Life Polyester Plastics to Elastomers

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c01773
• Publication Date: 2023-12-04T14:22:46Z
• Authors: Bingzhe Dong; Guangqiang Xu; Rulin Yang; Xuanhua Guo; Qinggang Wang
• Keywords: Copolyester; Gel permeation chromatography

Developing a new approach for synthesizing block polymers is highly demanded. Herein, we propose sequential transesterification strategy to synthesize in "polymer polymer" mode, such as PLA–PCL–PLA triblock copolymers, by exploiting differences rates between different polymers. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was first controllably cleaved an α,ω-hydroxyl-terminated macroinitiator (HO-PCL-OH) with defined molecular weights employing 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (TBD) organocatalyst and diols reagent, after which PLA added conduct HO-PCL-OH, thus affording copolyester. The structure of copolyesters identified gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 1H, DOSY, 13C NMR. Besides, chemical upcycling end-of-life PCL plastics into polyester also explored. This might provide useful copolymers plastics.