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Title Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
ID_Doc 27567
Authors Burelo, M; Martínez, A; Hernández-Varela, JD; Stringer, T; Ramírez-Melgarejo, M; Yau, AY; Luna-Bárcenas, G; Treviño-Quintanilla, CD
Title Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
Year 2024
Published Molecules, 29.0, 2
DOI 10.3390/molecules29020387
Abstract In 2021, global plastics production was 390.7 Mt; in 2022, it was 400.3 Mt, showing an increase of 2.4%, and this rising tendency will increase yearly. Of this data, less than 2% correspond to bio-based plastics. Currently, polymers, including elastomers, are non-recyclable and come from non-renewable sources. Additionally, most elastomers are thermosets, making them complex to recycle and reuse. It takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose or biodegrade, contributing to plastic waste accumulation, nano and microplastic formation, and environmental pollution. Due to this, the synthesis of elastomers from natural and renewable resources has attracted the attention of researchers and industries. In this review paper, new methods and strategies are proposed for the preparation of bio-based elastomers. The main goals are the advances and improvements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of bio-based elastomers from natural and industrial rubbers, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyethers, and an approach to their circular economy and sustainability. Olefin metathesis is proposed as a novel and sustainable method for the synthesis of bio-based elastomers, which allows for the depolymerization or degradation of rubbers with the use of essential oils, terpenes, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols from natural resources such as chain transfer agents (CTA) or donors of the terminal groups in the main chain, which allow for control of the molecular weights and functional groups, obtaining new compounds, oligomers, and bio-based elastomers with an added value for the application of new polymers and materials. This tendency contributes to the development of bio-based elastomers that can reduce carbon emissions, avoid cross-contamination from fossil fuels, and obtain a greener material with biodegradable and/or compostable behavior.
Author Keywords bio-based elastomer; rubbers; polyurethane; polyester; polyether; elastomeric properties; olefin metathesis; circular economy; sustainability
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001150832600001
WoS Category Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Research Area Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/2/387/pdf?version=1705057819
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