Production of industrial polymers is impossible without catalysis.  In many cases, catalysts exert exquisite control over formation of molecular architecture and composition, yielding polymers with remarkable properties.  Commodity products, like plastic pipe, are engineered to last a century.  Yet, the same polymers find use in other applications, some that are in use for mere minutes.  Some applications release polymers into the environment both through unintended loss and through use profiles that create release.  We must find solutions that eliminate persistent plastic in the environment.  Catalysis will surely be part of the solution as we are asked to use less, recycle more and to make those polymers that are released to the environment more degradable.   We are entering a new era where catalysis is being asked to undo, to disassemble what it assembled.   Creative solutions and new approaches are needed, turning waste into opportunity.

Catalysis made it: Can catalysis un-make it too?

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.