Compostable and Recyclable Baroplastic Triblock Copolymers Enable Low-Energy Polymer Processing

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Xu, Chengzhang ; Yi, Chengwei ; Fulajtar, Emilia ; Ramsperger, Anja ; Brehm, Julian ; Laforsch, Christian ; Schmalz, Holger ; Rosenfeldt, Sabine ; Mansfeld, Ulrich ; Kress, Holger ; Möglich, Andreas ; Greiner, Andreas ; Agarwal, Seema:
Compostable and Recyclable Baroplastic Triblock Copolymers Enable Low-Energy Polymer Processing.
In: Small. (16 März 2026) . - e14939.
ISSN 1613-6829
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514939

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Abstract

Baroplastic polymers enable low-energy processing at low temperatures under mild pressure preserving polymer integrity and supporting end-of-life pathways that reduce the formation of persistent microplastic residues. Poly(L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA) triblock copolymers demonstrate baroplasticity, enabling ambient temperature processing under moderate pressure. Here, we synthesized and characterized PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA with specific block lengths, showing rapid degradation within 2 months under industrial composting conditions and effective chemical and physical recyclability. Low-temperature baroplastic processing preserves the activity of encapsulated heat-sensitive proteins, expanding its application potential. These findings suggest that PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA combines sustainable processing, compostability, and recyclability, offering a promising platform for environmentally friendly polymer technologies in packaging, agriculture, and beyond.