New biobased polymers exhibit excellent tensile properties beyond polyolefins Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Andrew Zinin Chief Editor The research group of Professor Kotohiro Nomura, Tokyo Metropolitan University, in cooperation with the research groups of Senior Researcher Hiroshi Hirano and Director Seiji Higashi of the Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, and Associate Professor Hiroki Takeshita of The University of Shiga Prefecture, has developed biobased poly(ester amide)s from inedible biorenewables that can be easily chemically recycled and exhibit better mechanical (tensile) properties in film than commodity plastics. The work has been published in JACS Au. The development of biobased polymers that are readily chemically recyclable and derived from nonedible renewable resources has been recognized as a promising sustainable material in the circular economy.

However, there have been few examples of materials with mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and elongation at break) that exceed those of conventional polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. In the JST Strategic Creative Research Promotion Project (hereafter, CREST), the research group led by Professor Kotohiro Nomura has developed biobased poly(ester amide)s—consisting of plant oils, amino acids and sugars—that are chemically recyclable and exhibit excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength and strain at break in films) compared with conventional polymers.

The poly(ester amide) containing phenylalanine also displays unique fast self-healing properties at ambient temperature. These materials are derived from nonedible vegetable oils, amino acids and sugars, and are prepared by a catalytic olefin metathesis polymerization method, affording high-molecular-weight polymers. Moreover, these polymers are converted to starting organic compounds (monomers) by catalytic reactions with alcohol called transesterification (depolymerization, quantitative bond formation and dissociation).

These efforts should play an essential role in accelerating the development of sustainable polymers for the circular economy. Publication details Synthesis of Biobased Aliphatic Poly(ester amide)s and their Thermal, Tensile Properties, and Selective Depolymerization through Transesterification, JACS Au (2026). DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.6c00515 Journal information: JACS Au Provided by Tokyo Metropolitan University