Depolymerization of robust polyetheretherketone to regenerate monomer units using sulfur reagents

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an important super engineering plastic utilized in industries owing to its thermal stability and mechanical strength, however, its robustness hinders chemical recycling. Here, the authors report the depolymerization of insoluble PEEK using sulfur nucleophiles via carbon–oxygen bond cleavage and then treatment with organic halides to form various dithiofunctionalized benzophenones and hydroquinone monomers.