The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Polymer materials compatible with carbon neutrality must combine durability with reprocessability. Here, polymer topology is employed as a key design parameter to achieve sustainable, high-performance systems without changing chemical composition. Polyglycidol with linear and branched cyclic architectures was synthesized to control chain mobility and segmental dynamics. Branched cyclic polymers achieved an optimal balance between mechanical strength and dynamic relaxation, enabling repeated reprocessing with minimal performance loss. In polyurethane systems, topology-dependent chain accessibility controlled curing and transcarbamoylation, directly governing processability and recyclability. Overall, topology engineering provides an effective route to eco-friendly, high-performance polymers supporting circular use and carbon neutrality.