Isocyanurates are commonly used in the polymer industry because their high degree of crosslinking gives rise to superior mechanical properties. Due to their high degree of stability, isocyanurate bonds are not recyclable by any current industrial recycling methods. Dynamic covalent bonding has been used successfully to promote recyclability in similar polymer systems, including polyurethanes. We hypothesized that isocyanurates may be recycled using similar methods without sacrificing their mechanical properties. Isocyanurate dynamic bonding was investigated using small-molecule organic compounds, which allowed the reaction to be monitored via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Recycling industrial isocyanurate waste into new consumer products would reduce their environmental impact.

Recycling Isocyanurates via Dynamic Covalent Bonding

ACS Spring 2022

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