Increasing the Biodegradability and Environmental Compatibility of Plastic Materials

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The proposed network of researchers is composed of 3 academics from the University of Calgary who have all of the necessary expertise in chemical synthesis of ligands, organometallic complexes, C-H functionalization, and biodegradation. With the support NOVA Chemicals, a major polyethylene manufacturer with multiple sites located in Canada, this network of researchers will work to address two of the environmental challenges with the use of plastic materials. By integrating this major commercial partner into the team, NOVA Chemicals is uniquely positioned to integrate new discoveries into practice. The goals of this partnership are to address two of the challenges in reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials: 1) we will work to develop novel co-catalysts required for polymerization that do not contain fluorinated hydrocarbons, and 2) we will develop catalytic methods required to create the technology allowing the oxidation and microbial degradation of plastic waste. The potential outcomes of this work are the development of organofluorine-free materials that align with strict requirements frequently classified as polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). In addition to establishing a process for reducing the amount of plastic waste going to landfills, developing functionalization and degradation processes on polyethylene would also be a significant step toward reusing these materials as feedstocks and recycled into other useful chemical intermediates. The potential impact of this proposed research is to provide the benefits of low-cost, light weight plastic materials while continuing to increase the biodegradability and environmental compatibility of polyethylene materials. Frequently referred to as the "circular economy" of plastics, this proposal will help move the polyethylene industry toward removing potentially harmful fluorinated materials from the environment and recycling/degrading waste into value-added materials.