Synthesis of bio-based polyethylene-like materials via ring-opening polymerization of ethylene brassylate in the presence of reduced graphene oxide

Abstract

Polyethylene (PE) is widely investigated and used due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, its reliance on fossil resources poses environmental concerns. This study explores the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ethylene brassylate (EB), a 17-membered macrocyclic dilactone derived from castor oil, as a route to polyethylene-like materials. However, the low ring strain of EB typically limits the molecular weight of poly(ethylene brassylate) (PEBs), affecting its mechanical performance. To address this, we developed a Ti(n-C₄H₉O)₄/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) catalytic system, enabling the synthesis of high-molecular-weight PEBs (M_n = 78.0 kg/mol). The resulting PEB-rGO composites exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, with an elongation at break exceeding 1157 ± 23 %, a modulus above 503 ± 18 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strength over 46.2 ± 1.7 MPa-surpassing commercial High-density PE and previously reported PEB-based materials. Additionally, rGO incorporation enhances photothermal properties, enabling laser-assisted self-healing. This study provides an efficient approach to producing high-performance polyethylene-like materials with advanced functionalities.