Compatibilization of polyolefin blends through acid–base interactions

Abstract

Polyolefins are ubiquitous in consumer products but are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the inherent incompatibility of their common varieties. Existing approaches to addressing this challenge either require complex syntheses or compromise the properties of the parent materials. Here, a new method to compatibilize mixed polyolefins is developed. With a single-step photocatalysis, acid or base functionality can be readily installed onto polyolefins. The combination of acid- and base-modified polyolefins functions as compatibilizers. Incorporating them into polyolefin blends results in excellent mechanical strength, with up to an 82-fold increase in ductility. Importantly, compatibilization can be readily achieved on post-consumer polyolefin mixtures. Furthermore, direct functionalization and compatibilization of polyolefin blends is achieved. This strategy promises to transform polyolefin recycling and will likely find broad applications.