Harnessing Chaos for Chemically Recyclable Biocomposites

I propose a new paradigm in step-growth polymerization based on increasing entropy (chaos) in the system instead of classical small molecule removal.

This paradigm enables me to synthesize degradable polymers within complex environments, such as biocomposites, without removing water.

I draw inspiration from natural polymerization systems, such as cellulose biosynthesis, and support my paradigm with my recent findings on acetal formation under different conditions.

My research program provides a conceptual leap on building degradable polymeric materials within highly complex environments and might further bridge material science with biology in the future.

I will use this new methodology to tackle a standing challenge in material science: fully biobased and chemically recyclable to monomer biocomposites. Chemically recyclable means that the material can be returned to its original building blocks and recycled infinitely. Chemically recyclable biocomposites are a multifaceted challenge that transcends many different chemical disciplines.

My research program has four goals:1) To explore acetal formation under entropy gain and design suitable systems. (Organic Chemistry)2) To apply my knowledge to a new polymerization paradigm; step-growth chaos polymerization;(Polymer Chemistry)3) To demonstrate polymerization into complex environments; biocomposites as an example(Material Chemistry)4) To achieve complete chemical recyclability of the biocomposites.(Polymer Chemistry)