Novel Polymer Degrades on Command

Aug-07-18 Researchers have created a polymer able to break down on command for reuse.

Despite efforts, only about 10% of plastics are recycled each year. Developed by a team from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the polymer is made up of molecular units that have been forced into long circular loops and combined with a light-sensitive dye. These loops are more stable than the standard molecular chains, and can be ‘unzipped’ into their original form when exposed to light.

The researchers believe the on-demand rapid disintegration could lead to better plastic recycling, with the material being broken down for chemical recycling rather than simply melted and reformed.

Image - Lyndon French/New York Times - The polymer starts to degrade instantly once it gets hot enough on the heat plate, and the liquid monomer/plasticizer mixture sloughs off and evaporates over the next few minutes, leaving nearly nothing behind.

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