Synthesis, Characterization,and Recyclability ofHydrophobic Polyacylhydrazone (PAcHy) Materials

The Earth faces a pressing environmental challenge, with the management of plastic waste. This issue is exacerbated by the inherent characteristics of plastics, including their high thermal stability and low biodegradability. In response, the scientific community has dedicated significant efforts to mitigate plastic pollution and develop environmentally sustainable soft material practices. A promising approach is the implementation of dynamic covalent materials that can be efficiently recycled through their reversible covalent linkages. This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and recyclability of hydrophobic polyacylhydrazone (PAcHy) materials. Hydrophobic PAcHy polymers are characterized by GPC and NMR. PAcHy films are characterized thermally by TGA and DSC and then mechanically by DMA. Finally, the recyclability of each material is explored through both chemical and solvent recycling methods.