New supramolecular plastic that is degradable and highly recyclable

A research group has explored a new type of materials called supramolecular plastics that would substitute the conventional polymeric plastics with an eco-friendlier material promoting sustainable development.

The mechanical properties of the supramolecular plastic created by the researchers using liquid-liquid phase separation were comparable to conventional polymers, but the new plastic decomposes much more easily and would be easier to reuse.

The research group, has discovered that a physical concept called

liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) could sequester and concentrate solutes, strengthening the bonding force between molecules and driving the formation of macroscopic materials.

Finally, thanks to the dynamic and reversible nature of the non-covalent interactions, the material was degradable and highly recyclable.