Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Thermosetting Plastics through Biomass-Based Citric Acid
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초록
내용
Since the pandemic, plastic waste has drastically increased, leading to environmental issues. A portion of this waste consists of thermoplastics, which can be substituted with more sustainable alternatives. The rest are thermosetting plastics, resistant to degradation and recycling, generating an estimated 65 million tons of waste globally each year. Given the scale and persistence of these plastics, it is essential to explore solutions that minimize their environmental impact. This study proposes a novel synthetic strategy utilizing biomass-based citric acid. Citric acid facilitates the formation of ester linkages without the use of catalysts, promoting both biodegradability and recyclability, making it a key factor in the synthesis of sustainable thermosets. The suggested approach aims to advance research on the long-term durability of these plastics.