RSC Applied Polymers最新文献

{"title":"Preparation and application of piperidinium-functionalized cross-linked polynorbornene-based anion-exchange membranes","authors":"Haixia Zhang, Yubing Xiao, Hesong Guo, Xiang Li, Yu Wang and Wei You","doi":"10.1039/D6LP00002A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6LP00002A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) with cross-linked vinyl-addition polynorbornene (VA-PNB) backbones have proved to be outstanding candidates for water electrolysis due to their high hydroxide conductivity and alkaline stability. Herein, we introduced piperidinium cations into the VA-PNB network to produce high performance AEMs (<strong>D-2-Pip</strong>) through a simple fabrication process. The resulting membrane exhibited a desirable combination of mechanical robustness, high-dimensional stability (swelling ratio of 24%), and remarkable hydroxide conductivity (138 mS cm<small>⁻¹</small> at 80 °C). It demonstrated exceptional alkaline stability, retaining over 98% of its initial conductivity after 1320 hours in 1 M KOH at 80 °C. The membrane was successfully applied in anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs), achieving a high current density of 1.93 A cm<small>⁻²</small> at 2.0 V and outstanding operational durability for over 1400 hours. This study demonstrates the promising potential of the <strong>D-2-Pip</strong> AEM for efficient and stable clean energy conversion applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 3","pages":" 943-951"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d6lp00002a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanical and interfacial properties of zwitterionic hydrogels via a high-entanglement network design: a study of monomer and crosslinker synergy","authors":"Ying-Chieh Chuang, Kang-Ting Huang, Jin-Jia Hu and Chun-Jen Huang","doi":"10.1039/D6LP00019C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6LP00019C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Hydrogels with high water content and biocompatibility are attractive for biomedical applications, but generally suffer from poor mechanical strength and limited durability. Recently, the high-entanglement network strategy has emerged as a simple yet powerful approach to enhance hydrogel mechanics by forming densely entangled polymer chains with minimal crosslinking density. In this study, we extend this concept to zwitterionic hydrogels to achieve mechanical resilience, superior adhesion, lubricity and antifouling properties. Four sulfobetaine-based monomers, sulfobetaine acrylamide (SBAA), sulfobetaine methacrylamide (SBMAA), sulfobetaine acrylate (SBA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), were polymerized under highly concentrated conditions with crosslinked structures using <em>N</em>,<em>N</em>′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) or <em>N</em>,<em>N</em>′-methylenebismethacrylamide (MBMA). Systematic comparison revealed that the monomer structure, hydrogen-bonding capacity, and α-methyl substitution critically influence the polymerization kinetics, network homogeneity, mechanical properties, viscoelasticity, frictional and antifouling behaviors. The resulting zwitterionic hydrogels developed by suitably pairing the monomer and crosslinker exhibited enhanced elasticity, toughness, ultralow friction, good adhesion and antifouling properties under physiological conditions. These findings establish high entanglement as an effective structural design principle for developing mechanically resilient and antifouling hydrogels for biomedical devices and soft material interfaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 3","pages":" 1061-1074"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d6lp00019c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Model-based optimization of properties of post-consumer recycled PP/PE blends via compatibilization","authors":"Sixtus O. Nzeh, David O. Kazmer, Margaret J. SobkowiczKline, Thao D. Nguyen and David C. Elbert","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00321K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00321K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The reuse of post-consumer recycled polypropylene (rPP) is limited by poor processability, immiscibility with polyethylene (PE), and reduced mechanical properties. This work applies compatibilization strategies and regression-based optimization to improve the performance of a monolayer cast-film of a commercial recyclate containing ∼55 wt% PP and ∼45 wt% HDPE. Three compatibilizers were examined: maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene (PEMA), maleic anhydride-grafted-polypropylene (PPMA), and an ethylene–propylene copolymer (EPB). Tensile testing in the machine (MD) and transverse (TD) directions, FTIR, and SEM were combined with multiple regression to guide blend formulation. PEMA and PPMA exhibited quadratic effects on yield stress with optima near 8–11 wt%, whereas EPB showed a positive linear effect on modulus. At practical loadings, model coefficients correspond to gains of ∼6.1 MPa and ∼4.2 MPa in yield stress for 10 wt% PEMA and PPMA respectively, and ∼+5 MPa and +170 MPa in yield stress and modulus respectively for 20 wt% EPB. Two model-guided blends: (i) single-objective optimization (based on PEMA/EPB) and (ii) multiple objective optimization (based on PEMA/PPMA/EPB), produced smoother films and improved stiffness–ductility balance relative to the uncompatibilized recyclate. Single-objective optimization improved elongation by 3776% (MD) and 1371% (TD), with strength gains of up to 448%. Multiple-objective optimization incorporating 2% PPMA achieved the best balance, combining 1686% higher elongation (TD) with 491% higher yield stress and 240% higher stiffness SEM indicated reduced voiding and more cohesive fracture surfaces; FTIR remained consistent with physical interfacial anchoring/bridging rather than new covalent bonding. These results highlight a materials design pathway to enable reliable, high-performance use of recycled PP/PE blends in film and packaging applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 3","pages":" 1042-1060"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00321k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of π-conjugation and fluorination on the sensing performance of 1,6-pyrene covalent triazine frameworks","authors":"M. Carmen Borrallo-Aniceto, Beatriz Fuerte-Díez, Laura González-Aguilera, M. Luisa Ferrer, M. Pilar Lillo, Andreas Mavrandonakis, Urbano Díaz, Eva M. Maya and Marta Iglesias","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00381D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00381D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this work, we describe the synthesis of a series covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) based on 1,6-substituted-pyrene-derivatives, in which triazine units (electron acceptor groups) are either directly bonded to the pyrene core (1,6-Pyr-CTF) or connected <em>via</em> aryl or fluoroaryl-π-linkers (1,6-DPhPyr-CTF and 1,6-2FDPhPyr-CTF). These CTFs were readily synthesized through cyclotrimerization of the corresponding dinitriles, yielding thermally stable products with favorable photophysical properties and fluorescence emission maxima at 401 nm (1,6-Pyr-CTF), 428 nm (1,6-DPhPyr-CTF) and 433 nm (1,6-2FDPhPyr-CTF). These characteristics make them promising candidates for fluorescent sensing of nitroaromatic compounds. Among the synthesized frameworks, the fluorinated diphenylpyrene-triazine (1,6-2FDPhPyr-CTF) exhibits the highest selectivity and sensitivity toward nitro compounds, in EtOH/H<small>₂</small>O dispersions, with <em>K</em><small>_SV</small> = 4.35 × 10<small>⁴</small> M<small>⁻¹</small> (LOD = 0.15 ppm) for picric acid (TNP) or 3.39 × 10<small>⁴</small> M<small>⁻¹</small> (LOD = 0.11 ppm) for (<em>p</em>-nitroaniline, 4-NA). These results demonstrate the beneficial effect of extended π-conjugation and fluorine incorporation on the sensing performance of CTFs.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 2","pages":" 839-850"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00381d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking high-performance capacitive energy storage: advances in polymer nanocomposite dielectrics","authors":"Tanuj Kumar, Rahul Singhal, Ramesh Kumar, Arunima Verma, Priya Jasrotia, Arun Kumar, Rajeev Gupta, Ajay Singh Verma, Priyankaben Trivedi and Manju Bala","doi":"10.1039/D4LP00357H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LP00357H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The dielectric properties of polymers at extreme temperatures for energy storage require significant improvement, despite their superior processability, strong dielectric breakdown strength, and great mechanical qualities. By combining the best features of polymers and ceramics, scientists have created polymer nanocomposites with enhanced dielectric properties, making them ideal for use in various applications, including aerospace, oil and gas exploration, and hybrid electric cars. Interfacial design, microstructural engineering, and new high-dielectric filler materials are some of the important tactics and analytical models that have been developed to significantly increase the energy density of composite dielectrics. Novel designs have resulted from combining analytical models with machine learning approaches. Also covered in this study is the effect of a high-temperature implanted nanofiller on energy density in a polymer matrix. Lastly, this review summarizes the many types of dielectrics and their respective benefits, advancements, drawbacks, and limits when subjected to wide temperature ranges. An overview of the current areas where there is increasing production of energy storage devices in electric vehicles, pulsed warfare systems, and power electronics is provided to illustrate the practical uses of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics. We conclude by discussing the difficulties and potential benefits of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics in unusual scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 2","pages":" 502-523"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d4lp00357h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toward sustainable SLA 3D printing: glycerol-based 1,3-diether-2-methacrylates with solvent capability for in situ polymer blend formation","authors":"Zahra Sekhavat Pour, Pravin S. Shinde, Jun Wang, Mustapha Iddrisu, Tibor Szilvási and Jason E. Bara","doi":"10.1039/D6LP00005C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6LP00005C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Development of sustainable and environmentally friendly stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing resins has gained considerable attention in recent years. Towards this goal, we have successfully employed glycerol-based 1,3-diether-2-methacrylate monomers that offer tunable mechanical and thermal properties. These monomers also act as solvents for thermoplastics such as polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl-methacrylate) PMMA. This dual functionality enables the direct fabrication of polymer blends using only a consumer-level SLA 3D printer. The resulting blends exhibit composition-dependent phase morphologies that significantly influence mechanical properties. For instance, incorporating 5 wt% waste PS (wPS) results in complete phase separation with a stratified morphology in each layer and substantially diminished elongation at break, whereas 10 wt% wPS led to a more uniform dispersion and improved mechanical behavior. In contrast, PMMA-containing systems provide more transparent blends and continuous matrix morphology without compromising elasticity. Thermal analysis revealed the presence of two distinct glass transition temperatures (<em>T</em><small>_g</small>) corresponding to the matrix formed <em>via</em> monomer curing and the thermoplastic phase, confirming the immiscibility of the blends. However, shifts and broadening of <em>T</em><small>_g</small> values indicate improved interfacial interactions across the studied composition range. These results highlight the potential of glycerol-based methacrylate monomers as multifunctional platforms for tunable resin formulations and sustainable SLA 3D printing.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 3","pages":" 1028-1041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d6lp00005c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polyhydroxyalkanoate block polymer adhesives derived from long-chain aliphatic β-lactones and lactide","authors":"Peter V. Kelly, Alison Block, Brenden D. Hoehn, Pathikrit Saha, Christopher J. Ellison and Marc A. Hillmyer","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00389J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00389J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are contained in numerous packaging products as labels, tapes, and sealants. Consequently, they are a common contaminant that complicates repulping during paper recycling and industrial composting. Degradable PSAs are an attractive alternative where complete removal or separation is not practical. In this work, we employed epoxide carbonylation to produce β-tridecalactone to prepare poly(β-tridecalactone) (PTDL) through ring-opening transesterification polymerization (ROTEP). We explored the synthetic challenges in producing high molar mass (&gt;20 kg mol<small>⁻¹</small>) PTDL. These include dehydration of the propagating chain end and adventitious initiation from impurities in the monomer. The utility of PTDL PSAs containing a rubbery midblock with semicrystalline poly(<small>L</small>-lactide) (PLLA) end blocks was probed as a function of composition, molar mass, and processing conditions. The largest PLLA volume fraction (<em>f</em><small>_PLLA</small> = 0.31–0.35) triblock polymers exhibit commercially competitive peel strengths (5.5 ± 0.9 N cm<small>⁻¹</small>) and loop tack (8.5 ± 0.9 N cm<small>⁻¹</small>) values, with properties similar to office and duct tapes. This work informs how long aliphatic chain containing β-lactones can be effectively harnessed to produce high performance PSAs with the end goal of fully biodegradable adhesives.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 2","pages":" 796-806"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00389j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design of tuneable, biocompatible anionic polymers by l-norvaline amino acid post-polymerisation modification of pentafluorophenyl acrylate copolymers","authors":"Michael Ringleb, Michael Streiber, Theresa M. Lutz, Lena Rother, Elisa-Maria Bachinger, Jonas De Breuck, Christopher Kuenneth, Ulrich S. Schubert, Stefan Zechel, Anja Traeger and Meike N. Leiske","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00376H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00376H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Based on their high cytocompatibility and unique interactions with biological matter, polyanions are attracting increasing research interest. The hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity ratio of these substances exerts a significant influence on their applicability as delivery systems, <em>i.e.</em>, for particle formation and their interaction with biological matter. In this study a library of anionic copolymers with tailored hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity ratio is generated: First, random copolymers of pentafluorophenyl acrylate (PFPA) and hydrophilic <em>N</em>-acryloylmorpholine (NAM) or hydrophobic methyl acrylate (MA), respectively, are synthesised. In a second step, the PFPA units are substituted by <small>L</small>-norvaline (Nva) <em>via</em> post-polymerisation modification. We found that the comonomer ratio within the polymer has an impact on the hydrophobicity of the copolymers – in particular the Nva moiety significantly influences the hydrophobicity. Moreover, all investigated polymers feature good biocompatibility, while an increase in NAM content only slightly affects the hemolytic activity. Furthermore, an exemplary tested NAM-copolymer shows fast intracellular uptake in just 4 h. Our results obtained with Nva modified copolymers of different hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity ratio indicate that those polyanions could have potential for further biomedical applications such as drug delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 3","pages":" 964-983"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00376h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication of gallic acid crosslinked chitosan/poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) antioxidant films for green chilli packaging","authors":"Bhagyalakshmi A. Sheeparamatti, Priyanka Baburao, Priyadarshini, Shiddalingesh G. Havanur, Ravindra B. Chougale, Manjushree Nagaraj Gunaki, Ajitkumar Appayya Hunashyal, Saraswati P. Masti, Nagarjuna Prakash Dalbanjan and S. K. Praveen Kumar","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00339C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00339C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, chitosan (CS)/poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-<em>co</em>-vinyl acetate) (PVP-<em>co</em>-VAc) films were fabricated by incorporating different weight fractions of gallic acid (GA), abbreviated as CPG, using the solvent casting method. The prepared films were investigated for their physicochemical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed the effective interaction between the added GA and the CS/poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-<em>co</em>-vinyl acetate) polymer matrix. The resultant films demonstrated good barrier properties against water and oxygen, which were further supported by water contact angle (WCA) findings. Also, the films exhibited excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength (TS) of 54.71 ± 0.62 MPa, which is more substantial than those of traditional polythene plastics (10–16 MPa). Compared with the CP film, the CPG-IV film with the highest weight percentage of GA exhibited a strong DPPH radical scavenging activity of 77.18% ± 0.020 and displayed vigorous antimicrobial activity against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Escherichia coli</em>, and <em>Candida albicans</em>. Also, the packaging study revealed that chillies packed with the CPG-IV film containing the highest amount of GA showed a limited weight loss percentage in comparison with unpacked chillies and those packed with a polyethylene film over 14 days of storage. The above results suggested that the prepared films meet the essential requirements of green chilli packaging applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 2","pages":" 767-784"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00339c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable synthesis methods of lignin-based copolymers: recyclable non-carbodiimide catalytic systems in aqueous solvent","authors":"Christian Gonzalez, Arijit Ghorai and Hoyong Chung","doi":"10.1039/D5LP00387C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00387C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lignin is a valuable biopolymer that serves as a raw material for producing functional polymers due to its abundance, low price, sustainability, and high aromatic content. However, conventional lignin modification methods often rely on environmentally harmful reagents, solvents, and catalysts, primarily because these are common in traditional organic and polymer chemistry. Therefore, utilizing more sustainable solvents, reagents, and catalysts for synthesizing biomass-based, biodegradable polymers is crucial for developing more sustainable production methods. In this work, a lignin-containing copolymer, lignin-<em>graft</em>-polycaprolactone (lignin-<em>graft</em>-PCL), was synthesized using more environmentally friendly solvents, reagents, and catalysts. The first innovation focuses on natural lignin modification. While conventional methods use <em>N</em>,<em>N</em>′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to introduce carboxylic acid functionality into lignin, this study employs 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide (Mukaiyama reagent), which eliminates the formation of harmful byproducts such as <em>N</em>,<em>N</em>′-dicyclohexylurea (DCU) while maintaining high efficiency. Additionally, a tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water cosolvent system was used for lignin modification, replacing the traditionally used dimethylformamide (DMF). The second key innovation is the use of a recyclable catalyst system for lignin-based graft copolymer synthesis, which requires separate synthesis of PCL prior to graft onto lignin through covalent linkage. Unlike conventional approaches, this study presents a new recyclable polymer bound catalyst, 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-2<em>H</em>-pyrimido[1,2-<em>a</em>] pyrimidine, polymer-bound (PS-TBD), for a ε-caprolactone polymerization. The PS-TBD catalyst was successfully recycled and demonstrated sustained performance over four consecutive cycles, showing only a gradual reduction in efficiency. Comprehensive spectroscopic analyses confirmed the chemical structures of all synthesized products obtained from the esterification in lignin modification, ring-opening polymerization, and copolymerization, demonstrating high efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":101139,"journal":{"name":"RSC Applied Polymers","volume":" 2","pages":" 823-838"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/lp/d5lp00387c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}