The growing concerns about the extensive use of polymers and their environmental impact have driven research into developing renewable resource-based alternatives, such as those derived from furan building blocks. Beyond the biobased origin of monomers, adopting more ecofriendly polymer synthesis strategies is critical for addressing green chemistry principles. Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters emerges as a greener approach, offering advantages such as atom economy and milder reaction conditions compared to conventional bulk polyesterification approach [1]. In this study, the synergy between ROP as a green synthesis pathway and the biobased furanic building blocks was explored. Specifically, furanic macrocycles, macrocyclic hexamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (CHF), were obtained through cyclodepolymerization of the corresponding low-molecular-weight linear polyester species under high-dilution conditions. The ROP of these macrocycles was systematically investigated under various reaction conditions to produce high-molecular-weight polyesters which were characterized in-depth by 1H-NMR, FTIR, viscosimetry, XRD, DSC, ATG and DMTA methods. As part of the end-of-life strategy of these polymers, they were subjected to cyclodepolymerization under high-dilution conditions to regenerate the original macrocycles. This approach demonstrates a potential pathway for polymer recyclability, aligning with the principles of sustainability and circular economy. The regenerated macrocycles were then characterized to confirm their structural integrity and suitability for reuse in further repolymerization processes.
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Sustainable Polyesters via Ring-Opening Polymerization of Biobased (Macro)Cyclic Oligofuranoates and their subsequent cyclodepolymerization
Published:
14 November 2025
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Online Conference on Polymer Science
session Biobased, Biodegradable-compostable, and Recyclable Polymers
Abstract:
Keywords: Polyester synthesis; Ring Opening Polymerization; 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid; Greener synthesis.
