Ring-opening copolymerization using the cyclic comonomer 3,7-bis(methylene)-1,5-dithiacyclooctane (BMDTO) introduces cleavable C–S bonds for chemical recyclability; however, it suffers from low molar mass via bulk free radical polymerization due to undesired radical transfer. To this end, this study leverages emulsion polymerization to produce polystyrene-BMDTO copolymers (1–7 mol% BMDTO), achieving higher molar mass (81 vs. 17 kg/mol) at 2.4 mol% BMDTO. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography confirm the incorporation and cleavability of BMDTO, establishing emulsion polymerization as a viable method for producing recyclable, high-performance vinyl copolymers.
- Michelle Gross
- Autumn M. Mineo
- Reika Katsumata
