At a time when student awareness of the hazards of plastics is becoming more prevalent, their increased curiosity for the science behind the problems and potential solutions provides an avenue to demonstrate how organic and polymer chemistry plays a critical role in this issue. While numerous polymerization laboratories exist, comparatively few focus on depolymerization and recycling. We sought to develop a lab where students depolymerized commercially available poly(butylene succinate), an emerging biorenewable and biodegradable plastic, of which thousands of tons are annually produced. Students can then repolymerize their monomers in a subsequent laboratory, and compare the resulting mechanical properties of their materials to those of the commercial form. The procedures incorporate carbonyl, green and polymer chemistry principles, and provide an opening for discussing the complexities of recycling as well as the challenges to wider-scale adoption of alternatives to traditional plastics.<br/>

Depolymerization and repolymerization of polybutylene succinate: Powerful teaching tool for introducing students to green chemistry and sustainable materials

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.