Chemical upcycling is the process in which polymers can be selectively degraded, with the goal of transforming a specific polymer into small molecule feedstock, ideally with greater chemical value. In this study, degradation of polymers was induced with gamma irradiation, which was chosen because it is highly penetrating, highly controllable, and readily available. Irradiated model compounds were evaluated for degradation patterns by GC-MS to understand the effects of gamma radiation in bond-cleavage pathways. We are examining model compounds with features that emulate the linkages of polyurethanes. The differences in features allow for studies in effects related sterics, electronics, and solvents. Upon preparation of a series of model compounds, they were dissolved in a number of common organic solvents and treated with varying amounts of gamma radiation. In general, it has been observed that solvent molecules were first ionized by radiation which then secondarily interacted with model compounds. In this presentation, details will be discussed covering experimental set up, GC-MS analyses of a series of model compounds, and their degradation behaviors.

Irradiation and degradation study of polyurethane model compounds

ACS Spring 2022

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