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Title: Green polymer chemistry: Some recent developments and examples

Author
item Cheng, Huai
item GROSS, RICHARD - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
item SMITH, PATRICK - Michigan Molecular Institute

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/28/2015
Publication Date: 7/15/2015
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Gross, R.A., Smith, P.B. 2015. Green polymer chemistry: Some recent developments and examples. In: Cheng, H.N., Gross, R.A., Smith, P.B, editors. ACS Symposium Series, Volume #1191, Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 2-15.

Interpretive Summary: Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green Polymer Chemistry is an extension of green chemistry to polymer science and engineering. Developments in this area have been stimulated by health and environmental concerns, interest in sustainability, desire to decrease the dependence on petroleum, and opportunities to design and produce “green” products and processes. It has become an active and viable field in its own right and continues to attract attention from researchers and manufacturers. In view of the rapid developments in this field, the authors organized an international symposium in August 2014, where top scientific leaders reported on their work. This article provides an overview of green polymer chemistry, together with a summary of the major results given in the 2014 symposium. It is hoped that the information given herein provides an introduction to people unfamiliar with green polymer chemistry and also a useful update for people who actively conduct R&D in this field.

Technical Abstract: Green polymer chemistry continues to be a popular field, with many books and publications in print. Research is being conducted in several areas within this field, including: 1) green catalysis, 2) diverse feedstock base, 3) degradable polymers and waste minimization, 4) recycling of polymer products and catalysts, 5) energy generation or minimization during use, 6) optimal molecular design and activity, 7) benign solvents, and 8) improved syntheses or processes in order to achieve atom economy, reaction efficiency, and reduced toxicity. Advances have been made in many areas, including new uses of biobased feedstock, green reactions, green processing methodologies, and green products. A selected review is made in this article, focusing particularly on biobased materials and biocatalysis. Some recent developments and examples are provided, taken particularly from the presentations made at the ACS national meeting in San Francisco in August 2014 and the articles included in this symposium volume.