Catalysis for polymer synthesis, plastic recycling and upcycling
Catalysis for polymer synthesis, plastic recycling and upcycling
Catalysis plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of polymers, plastic recycling, and upcycling processes. Polymer synthesis often relies on the use of catalysts to facilitate the polymerization reactions efficiently. By controlling reaction conditions and enhancing reactivity, catalysts ensure precise molecular weight control, leading to desirable polymeric properties such as strength, flexibility, or thermal stability. Furthermore, catalysts can enable the recycling and upcycling of plastics by promoting their degradation into monomers or other valuable chemicals. In this context, catalytic systems can break down complex polymers into simpler units that can be utilized for new material production or transformed into high-value products through chemical modifications. The development of efficient and selective catalysts is therefore crucial for advancing sustainable practices in the polymer industry and addressing environmental concerns related to plastic waste accumulation.
Keywords
· Conversion processes (Pyrolysis, gasification, HTL...)
· End-use plastics/contaminants
· High value-added chemicals
· Co-processing (plastics and biomass/oil)
· Monomers/ Depolymerization
· Biocatalysis
· Coordination Insertion polymerization
· Ring opening polymerization
· Mechanism investigations
· Polymerization kinetics
· Polymer eco-design by catalysis