Polymer Degradation and Stability最新文献

{"title":"Dynamic imine bonds enable closed-loop recycling of high performance PEEK/CF composites","authors":"Zhongxin Dong,&nbsp;Yanxu Lu,&nbsp;Yuan Li,&nbsp;Fanchao Meng,&nbsp;Liangliang Pei,&nbsp;Siyu Zhong,&nbsp;Yanchao Yang,&nbsp;Shengdao Wang,&nbsp;Guibin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites are widely used across various industries. However, with their growing, there is an increasing demand for effective and sustainable recycling strategies. Chemical recycling of carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK/CF) composites remains challenging due to the inherent chemical inertness of PEEK and the economic inefficiency of recovering carbon fiber only. In this work, a dynamic covalent chemistry strategy is employed to enable the closed-loop recovery of PEEK/CF composites through acid catalyzed imine bonding. Trifluoroacetic acid initiates the protonation of the carbonyl groups in crystalline PEEK, converting it into amorphous poly(aryl ether ketone) (KPEEK) with an activation energy of 35.1 kJ/mol. Under acidic conditions, the dynamic chemistry of imine bonds facilitates KPEEK to revert to crystalline PEEK, achieving a recovery rate of 95 %. As a result, the recycled PEEK retains excellent properties, including a tensile strength of 97 MPa and thermal stability (<em>T_{d5 %}</em> ≥ 550 °C). The recycled carbon fiber is undamaged and fully reusable. The reprocessed PEEK/CF composites exhibit tensile strength of approximately 1900 MPa mechanical properties. This strategy avoids energy intensive degradation of PEEK and offers the potential for scalable production through compatibility with existing industrial infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111693"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ternary nanocellulose-based aerogels with biomimetic tracheal microstructure for synergistically enhanced thermal insulation, flame retardancy and mechanical robustness","authors":"Xiangfei Chen ,&nbsp;Yinji Lu ,&nbsp;Ming Zeng ,&nbsp;Yanwen Lv ,&nbsp;Zihui Zhang ,&nbsp;Jie Li ,&nbsp;Yi Jin ,&nbsp;Jiangang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanocellulose-based aerogels are promising materials for thermal management and are regarded as the third-generation aerogels. However, their practical use is hindered by trade-offs among mechanical robustness, thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy. Herein, we reported a ternary composite aerogel with a biomimetic tracheal microstructure, designed to synergistically enhance thermal insulation, flame retardancy, and mechanical robustness. The optimized layered double hydroxide (LDH)-modified sample (M_1.0-PT) achieved an ultra-low radial thermal conductivity of 26.5 mW/m·K, attributed to the synergistic suppression of solid conduction (LDH phonon scattering) and gas convection (air entrapment). For flame retardancy, the M_1.0-PT aerogel showed a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 40.4% and a UL-94 V-0 rating, enabled by LDH’s catalytic char formation and polyvinyltrimethoxysilane’s crosslinked network. Moreover, the aerogels exhibited a compressive modulus of 102.8 kPa, nearly double that of the TOCNF aerogel (53.3 kPa) due to the anchoring reinforcement of LDH and the structural support of the tracheal microstructure. The biomimetic structure and multi-component synergy provided a new strategy for designing high-performance aerogels, with potential applications in lithium-ion battery thermal management and building insulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111694"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phosphorus-functionalized Schiff base flame retardant for PET and its filaments: enhancing fire resistance, anti-dripping, and strength","authors":"Zhenhui Bai ,&nbsp;Rong Zhou ,&nbsp;Qun Wang ,&nbsp;Mao Li ,&nbsp;Wenjun Yan ,&nbsp;Qiaoli Xu ,&nbsp;Hengshu Zhou ,&nbsp;Xiaoqiang Li ,&nbsp;Ruchao Yuan ,&nbsp;Jinping Guan ,&nbsp;Faxue Li","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The combination of enhanced char formation capacity and radical quenching effect in polymer materials at elevated temperatures is crucial for improving flame inhibition and anti-dripping performance. This study developed a phosphorus (P)-functionalized Schiff base flame retardant (HSCP) specifically for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Notably, incorporation of merely 4 wt% of HSCP effectively enhanced the anti-dripping performance of PET. The PET composites containing 8 wt% of HSCP (PET/HSCP8) achieved a limiting oxygen index of 30.0 % with complete anti-dripping performance, attaining a V-0 rating in vertical burning. Furthermore, PET/HSCP8 exhibited a remarkable 16.4 % reduction in total smoke production compared to unmodified PET. The enhanced fire safety of PET/HSCP was achieved through the dual-phase mechanism of HSCP, which combines the char-forming effect with the quenching effect. Importantly, the PET/HSCP8 composites maintain excellent interfacial compatibility, enabling the successful fabrication of filaments through melt-spinning that simultaneously exhibit enhanced fire safety and preserved mechanical properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111692"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Degradation behavior of resin-impregnated paper composites in DC bushings under extreme thermal cycling: From mechanisms to lifetime assessment","authors":"Wenrui Tian ,&nbsp;Daning Zhang ,&nbsp;Lulin Xu ,&nbsp;Siyu Wang ,&nbsp;Huanmin Yao ,&nbsp;Yi Lv ,&nbsp;Haifan Li ,&nbsp;Haoxiang Zhao ,&nbsp;Guanjun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111687","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111687","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resin-impregnated paper (RIP) composites are widely used as high-performance insulating materials in DC bushings. However, in cold regions, these bushings are subjected to severe thermal stresses that irreversibly deteriorate their mechanical and electrical properties, thereby threatening the reliable operation of power systems. In this paper, accelerated thermal cycling tests are performed on RIP composite, followed by comprehensive characterization of surface morphology, physicochemical properties, mechanical strength, and electrical performance. Results show that microcracks primarily emerge at the early stages of thermal cycling, leading to mechanical and electrical degradation. In addition, moisture ingress and thermal aging elevate the ionic concentration, leading to higher trap density and dielectric losses, which further compromise insulation performance. Finite element simulation results indicate that degradation typically initiates at the interfaces between resin and paper. Furthermore, a mechanical failure lifetime model and an improved Havriliak-Negami dielectric response method are proposed for the prediction and assessment of the degradation state. By integrates experimental analysis, numerical modeling, and condition assessment, this study not only advances the fundamental understanding of thermal stress induced deterioration, but also provides practical guidance for the design of advanced insulating materials and the reliable operation of power equipment in extreme climates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111687"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Graphitization behavior and ablation resistance of phenolic resin modified in-situ with iron-intercalated montmorillonite","authors":"Zhongzhou Zhang,&nbsp;Ruijin Cui,&nbsp;Yifei Li,&nbsp;Liqun Zhang,&nbsp;Fei Chen,&nbsp;Yuhong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phenolic resin (PR)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites are widely used as matrices for thermal protection systems due to their good heat resistance and price advantage. However, challenges persist in achieving homogeneous MMT dispersion and promoting matrix graphitization under pyrolysis process. In this work, a novel iron-intercalated MMT-modified PR (FeMMTPR) was synthesized by a “Fe³⁺-assisted MMT dispersion” strategy with homogeneous MMT dispersion and ablation resistance compared to conventional PR/MMT composites. Specifically, iron intercalated montmorillonite (FeMMT) was obtained by intercalating FeCl₃ with MMT in water through a simple and environmentally friendly method. Benefiting from the attraction of Fe³⁺ to phenol and the addition reaction between phenol and formaldehyde, the MMT sheet layer was exfoliated. The “maze effect” of homogeneous dispersed FeMMT effectively enhanced the thermal properties of FeMMTPR, reducing the release intensity of gases and aromatic fragments during pyrolysis. Meanwhile, the presence of Fe promoted the graphitization of FeMMTPR under high temperature, which effectively improved the ablation resistance of carbon fiber reinforced FeMMTPR (CF/FeMMTPR) composites. By addressing the challenges of dispersion of MMT and graphitization of the matrix through this simple strategy, a scalable pathway is provided for the development of aerospace composites with promising heat and ablation resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111688"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonic characteristics of XLPE/SIR insulation under thermal aging condition for high-voltage cables and their correlation with insulation performance","authors":"Renyou Li ,&nbsp;Hantao Wei ,&nbsp;Yuanwei Zhu ,&nbsp;Shengtao Li ,&nbsp;Yanhui Wei ,&nbsp;Guochang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aging state of insulating materials in power equipment directly affects the reliability and service life of its operation. Therefore, accurately identifying the degree of material aging is crucial for preventing equipment failures and ensuring the safety of the power grid. The electrical properties, physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties and ultrasonic characteristics of cable insulation Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and silicone rubber (SIR) under thermal aging conditions were studied, and the correlation characteristics between the ultrasonic characteristics caused by aging and the electrical properties were explored. Furthermore, the intrinsic connection between the changes in the microstructure of materials and the degradation of their macroscopic properties was revealed through molecular dynamics simulation. Through molecular dynamics simulation, the intrinsic relationship between the microscopic structure changes of the material and the degradation of its macroscopic properties was revealed. The experimental results show that when XLPE is thermally aged at 135 °C (in air) and SIR at 175 °C (in air), the dielectric constant values of both materials gradually increase with the increase of aging time. After 1008 h, the dielectric constant of XLPE and SIR increased by 12.7 % and 31.7 % respectively. Under the same aging time, the volume resistivity of XLPE decreases from 1.8 × 10¹⁴ Ω·m to 2.1 × 10¹³ Ω·m, while the volume resistivity of SIR decreases from 1.71 × 10¹³ Ω·m to 6.79 × 10¹² Ω·m. The elongation at break and tensile strength of XLPE and SIR gradually decreased. The ultrasonic velocity of XLPE decreases from 2200 m/s to 1953.8 m/s, while that of SIR increases from 911.3 m/s to 1021.2 m/s. Simulation results show that the free volume and mean square displacement of XLPE increase after aging, while those of SIR decrease, which affect the change in sound velocity. The band gap width of the two materials decreases after aging, and the density of states changed, resulting in a decline in insulation performance. The ultrasonic sound velocity is significantly correlated with the aging degree of the material, and can be used as an effective indicator for evaluating the aging status of XLPE and SIR. This study establishes the correlation between ultrasonic characteristics and insulation performance during the aging process of materials through microstructure changes, providing a theoretical basis for on-site non-destructive testing of the thermal aging state of high-voltage cables.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111689"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Glassy-state coatings based on B2O3-SiO2 crosslinked networks: Simultaneous flame retardancy, thermal insulation, and mechanical reinforcement of polystyrene","authors":"Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Wantong Jiang ,&nbsp;Zhixin Yang ,&nbsp;Yifu Xiang ,&nbsp;Bin Li ,&nbsp;Linlin Zhang ,&nbsp;Jinzhang Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents an advanced flame-retardant system based on the synergistic effect between boric acid anhydride (B₂O₃) and nano-silica (SiO₂) for building insulation applications. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with experimental analyses, we demonstrate that thermal dehydration of boric acid (&gt;130 °C) produces B₂O₃, which subsequently reacts with SiO₂ above 600 °C to form a protective borosilicate glass (Si-O-B) layer that encapsulates expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). At an optimal mass ratio of 1:2, the composite exhibits exceptional fire performance, achieving a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 35.9 % and a ​​Underwriters Laboratories Standard 94 (UL-94) V-0 rating. The system also shows a 52.6 % reduction in peak heat release rate(PHRR) and a 69.8 % reduction in total heat release rate (THR), along with significant smoke suppression (70 % reduction in smoke density) and improved mechanical properties (95 % increase in compressive strength). The flame-retardant mechanism involves dual-phase action: quenching free radicals in the gas phase and forming a continuous glass barrier in the condensed phase. Moreover, the system maintains excellent water resistance after prolonged immersion. This innovative approach offers a robust solution for enhancing the fire safety of EPS insulation in construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111690"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrolytic degradation and property aging in highly crosslinked cyanate ester resins: A computational study","authors":"Yukun Bai ,&nbsp;Gota Kikugawa ,&nbsp;Naoki Kishimoto","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The hydrolytic degradation of thermosetting resins significantly reduces their glass transition temperature (<em>T</em>_g), limiting their performance under humid conditions. In this work, we present a multiscale simulation framework to elucidate the hydrolytic degradation mechanism of cyanate ester (CE) resins under neutral environments by integrating high-accuracy quantum chemistry calculations with traditional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, using a hydrolysis–Global Reaction Route Mapping (GRRM)/Monte Carlo (MC)/MD approach. A 2-H₂O hydrolysis mechanism, including reaction pathway and reaction energy in CE resins, was identified via the GRRM method and implemented into MD simulations to construct realistic hydrolyzed models and predict degradation-induced property changes. Analysis of physicochemical properties confirms that the simulated structures closely resemble those observed experimentally. Microstructural analysis further reveals that increasing hydrolysis leads to enhanced chain mobility and reduced chain stiffness, thereby accelerating the aging of the material's physical properties. These results provide a molecular-level understanding of hydrolytic degradation in CE resins and offer a comprehensive view of humidity-induced polymer aging. This integrated approach supports the rational design of more durable polymeric materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111685"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication of biodegradable phosphorus-containing flame-retardant plasticizer derived from L-lactic acid toward simultaneously enhancing the toughness, flame retardancy and transparency of flexible polyvinyl chloride","authors":"Yinan Sun ,&nbsp;Boyou Hou ,&nbsp;Baijun Liu ,&nbsp;Haowei Shen ,&nbsp;Mingyao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bio-based plasticizers have emerged as a promising solution for addressing environmental concerns and performance limitations associated with traditional petroleum-derived additives in polymers. However, for plasticizers (whether petroleum-based or bio-based) with single functionality, inherent flammability is a common characteristic. When such plasticizers are applied in flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), they tend to significantly impair the intrinsic flame-retardant performance of PVC matrices, thereby elevating the potential fire hazards associated with their practical application. Therefore, a novel biodegradable phosphorus-containing flame-retardant plasticizer derived from <span>l</span>-lactic acid (PMBL) was developed to address the aforementioned challenge, with integration of both flame-retardant and plasticizing functionalities. Compared with the common plasticizers used to soften polyvinyl chloride, the addition of PMBL can not only enhance the toughness of flexible PVC blends, but also retain their excellent flame-retardant properties. Upon the incorporation of PMBL, PVC/PMBL blends attained a UL-94 V-0 classification, and exhibited a substantial increase in elongation at break from 3.9 % (for pure PVC) to 647.8 % (for PVC/40PMBL), a performance that outperformed PVC blends plasticized with acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). Cone calorimeter test results revealed that PVC/40PMBL, in comparison to PVC/40ATBC, exhibited a 61 % reduction in peak heat release rate and a 56 % decrease in total heat release, findings that indicate the effective suppression of heat release from flexible PVC blends by PMBL. Furthermore, PMBL exhibited excellent resistance to migration and volatility, thereby enabling flexible PVC products to maintain prolonged service life and stability. Soil degradation tests confirmed good biodegradability of PMBL. Overall, this study is anticipated to offer a viable strategy for developing functional bio-based additives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111682"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficient monomer-loop recycling of PELT copolyesters: Interplay of theoretical and experimental approaches","authors":"Chenxi Zhu ,&nbsp;Chen Zhang ,&nbsp;Junfeng Zhang ,&nbsp;Yueru Li ,&nbsp;Linlin Yang ,&nbsp;Xiaoliang Wang ,&nbsp;Guixiang Zeng ,&nbsp;Wei Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-lactic acid) (PELT) copolyesters, incorporating renewable and biodegradable components, offer a promising route to enhance the recyclability of PET. However, the chemical monomer-loop recycling of PELT has not been investigated. Here, an efficient monomer-loop recycling of PELT was reported through a combination of theoretical and experimental approach. Density functional theory calculations reveal the feasibility of this recycling process and identify the nucleophilic attack of HOCH₂CH₂O⁻ on the carbonyl carbon of the PELT chain as the rate-determining step. Charge transfer analysis on the rate-determining step shows that PELT has a significantly smaller HOMO-LUMO gap than PET, leading to a lower Gibbs energy barrier for PELT decomposition (16.6 kcal/mol versus 21.1 kcal/mol). Experimentally, moderate molecular weight PELT was synthesized via ring-opening polymerization of lactide initiated by bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) followed by polycondensation. Experimental analyses demonstrated that lactide incorporation alters the crystalline structure, which reduces the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, and melting temperature. Using PELT-30 as a sample, chemical recycling experiments achieved a 91.5 % BHET yield after 60 minutes at 190°C under HTBD-OAc catalysis. The degradation products were successfully repolymerized into PELT with properties comparable to the original material, confirming the viability of the monomer-loop recycling approach. Life-cycle assessment demonstrated that PELT reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy demand (PED) during closed-loop recycling compared with PET. This work advances the sustainable recycling of polyesters and contributes to the development of more eco-friendly materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":406,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Degradation and Stability","volume":"242 ","pages":"Article 111683"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145227492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}