Converting inorganic sulfur into degradable thermoplastics and adhesives by copolymerization with cyclic disulfides

Converting elementary sulfur into sulfur-rich polymers offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, the low ring strain of S8 monomers hinders ring-opening polymerization (ROP) due to the lack of an enthalpic driving force, resulting in inherently unstable poly(sulfur). This study demonstrates that copolymerization with cyclic disulfides, such as 1,2-dithiolanes, provides a simple, energy-efficient method to transform elementary sulfur into sulfur-rich thermoplastics. This strategy combines two disulfide bond exchange-mediated ROPs to overcome poly(sulfur)'s thermodynamic instability. The modifiable sidechains of the cyclic disulfides allow for tailoring mechanical properties and functionalities like self-repair and degradability. This robust system offers a promising pathway for creating functional and environmentally friendly sulfur-rich plastics.

Yuanxin Deng, Zhengtie Huang, Ben L. Feringa, He Tian, Qi Zhang, Da-Hui Qu