A team of scientists from the University of Konstanz (Germany) has included polar groups in molecular chains
Polyethylene is non-polar, hydrophobicmaterial that is water repellent. To expand its properties, for example, to improve adhesion to metal surfaces, researchers are looking for ways to incorporate a small amount of polar groups into the material during polyethylene synthesis. But this is difficult because the conventional catalysts used in this process were destroyed by polar reagents.
Scientists have now included keto groups in molecularthe chains that make up the plastic. For this, a catalyst is used, which, due to its position in the periodic table of elements, is compatible with carbon monoxide used as a reagent for producing keto groups.
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Researchers have implemented a limited number ofketo groups to maintain the typical mechanical properties of polyethylene, such as strength. “Science has long been looking for a method to incorporate such groups into polyethylene chains. Our current achievement opens up new perspectives, ”said one of the study's authors, Stephan Mecking.
A limited number of keto groups also improveddegradability of new plastic. In laboratory conditions, when exposed to simulated sunlight, the new plastic exhibits slow chain degradation, which does not occur in conventional polyethylenes.
In laboratory tests, the team has shown that the new material has the same beneficial properties as conventional polyethylene.
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