(260e) Tackling the Plastics Waste Challenge Via an Interdisciplinary Framework: Catalytic Innovations, Material Complexity, and Sustainable Polymer Design

Polymers are ubiquitous in the modern world, and the demand for and production of plastics products continues to climb. Historically, the chemical manufacturing of plastics has focused on key features, such durability, low-cost, and multifunctionality; however, these aspects also challenge current recycling and upcycling efforts to combat the plastics waste dilemma. I will highlight collaborative and interdisciplinary pathways that address the complexity of plastics waste utilizing deconstruction and upgrading strategies that assess catalyst-polymer interactions and probe the role of additives and polymer architecture. Another approach towards sustainability is the utilization of biomass building blocks in the development of robust polymeric materials with exceptional mechanical function and thermal properties. Lignocellulosic biomass, particularly the lignin fraction, is an attractive source of diverse, abundant, and inexpensive precursors for macromolecular design. I also will discuss convergent research activities to develop performance-advantaged, bio-derivable materials within a circular economy.