Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Srikanth Pilla

Committee Member

Dr. Mark Johnson

Committee Member

Dr. Olga Kuksenok

Committee Member

Dr. Igor Luzinov

Committee Member

Dr. James Sternberg

Abstract

Plastic waste poses a major problem because of the chemical stability of these materials, leading to their accumulation in the environment and the leaching of toxic chemicals during their slow decomposition. Additionally, the use of depleting petroleum reserves for synthesis has made for an unsustainable production and risks due to use of chemicals hazardous to the environment and the individuals exposed to it.

To address these concerns, researchers have explored biobased feedstock and incorporating chemical recycling capabilities for a closed loop, sustainable process. One promising feedstock is lignin with its abundant functional groups that can be modified and utilized to obtain high value polymers. Dynamic covalent bonds are good candidates for chemical recycling as they enable design of bonds that on application of external stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, etc. impart the polymer chain the ability to reprocess.

This research focuses on utilizing biobased alternatives, specifically vanillin that can be extracted from lignin, as a substitute for bisphenol A in the production of polysulfones that are biobased and can be chemically recycled. The resulting polymers are then subjected to thermal, chemical, and viscoelastic testing, allowing for a comparison with commercially available counterparts. A life cycle analysis is conducted to determine the viability of the work proposed as a greener alternative.

The principles of green chemistry principles were integrated into this work, aiming for a sustainable future in polymer synthesis. Through this method, the research endeavors to foster a more green and circular polymer synthesis.

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