Green and Versatile: Catalytic Production of Recyclable Co-polymers from Epoxides and Anhydrides

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Plastics are an indispensable to modern-day society, yet their environmental footprint has come under increased scrutiny owing to their persistence in landfill and marine environments. Therefore the development of biodegradable and recyclable plastics is a key objective in the pursuit of a circular economy of plastics, that will continue to allow plastics to benefit society but without the negative environmental cost. This project will be to develop the catalytic production of co-polymers that contain ester-linkages, exemplified by epoxide-anhydride co-polymers. The principal aim will be to enhance the substrate scope by developing new catalysts that are not limited in compatible substrates. We will also establish collaborations with multi-disciplinary partners to probe the use of these co-polymers in real-world applications.