Defining the Macromolecules of Tomorrow through Synergistic Sustainable Polymer Research

cr1c00173_0074

Haque, F.M.; Ishibashi, J.S.A.; Lidston, C.A.L.; Shao, H.; Bates, F.S.; Chang, A.B.; Coates, G.W.; Cramer, C.J.; Dauenhauer, P.J.; Dichtel, W.R.; Ellison, C.J.; Gormong, E.A.; Hamachi, L.S.; Hoye, T.R.; Jin, M.; Kalow, J.A.; Kim, H.J.; Kumar, G.; LaSalle, C.J.; Liffland, S.; Lipinski, B.M.; Pang, Y.; Parveen, R.; Peng, X.; Popowski, Y.; Prebihalo, E.A.; Reddi, Y.; Reineke, T.M.; Sheppard, D.T.; Swartz, J.L.; Tolman, W.B.; Vlaisavljevich, B.; Wissinger, J.; Xu, S.; Hillmyer, M.A. Chem. Rev. 2022122, 6322–6373. 

Abstract

Transforming how plastics are made, unmade, and remade through innovative research and diverse partnerships that together foster environmental stewardship is critically important to a sustainable future. Designing, preparing, and implementing polymers derived from renewable resources for a wide range of advanced applications that promote future economic development, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability are all central to these efforts. In this Chemical Reviews contribution, we take a comprehensive, integrated approach to summarize important and impactful contributions to this broad research arena. The Review highlights signature accomplishments across a broad research portfolio and is organized into four wide-ranging research themes that address the topic in a comprehensive manner: Feedstocks, Polymerization Processes and Techniques, Intended Use, and End of Use. We emphasize those successes that benefitted from collaborative engagements across disciplinary lines.