INS9-0139
Chemically Recyclable Functional Polymers via Olefin Metathesis: Conformation-Driven Reversibility Control for Circular Materials
Topic
S9. Polymer Technology for Sustainability
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
15:25 - 15:50
Room 201
Session Chairs
Jeyoung PARK
Presenter(s)
Soon Hyeok Hong (KAIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
A circular polymer economy requires both recyclable-by-design materials and the upcycling of legacy polymer waste. Here, we show how homogeneous olefin metathesis catalysis enables precise, thermodynamically guided transformations that address both challenges. Strain-engineered cyclohexene- and cyclooctene-derived monomers undergo efficient ring-opening metathesis polymerization, affording functional polymers with robust service properties. By controlling monomer conformation and ring strain, these polymers can be selectively depolymerized under appropriate conditions to regenerate their monomers. In parallel, an isomerization–metathesis platform converts cross-linked waste-tire rubbers into value-added cyclic alkenes and chemical feedstocks. Together, these studies establish catalyst and molecular design principles for improving selectivity, reversibility, and efficiency in circular polymer chemistry.
