Green Engineered Polymers: Solvent Free, Room-Temperature Polymerization of Monomer From a Renewable Resource, Without Utilizing Initiator.

To abolish the bad reputation of synthetic polymer chemistry, we aimed to produce green polymers in an environmentally friendly way. It is also essential to bypass the application of components from fossil resources; those are not only polluting but also expensive. In this paper, we polymerized a terpene using UV triggered reversible-deactivation radical polymerization, in bulk, eliminating the need for fossil resource components, high energy consumption, and solvent usage. The method demonstrates a pathway towards the development of green polymers that enhance the reputation of synthetic and applied macromolecular chemistry. The findings underscore the importance of using naturally occurring monomers, which allows for controlled polymerization processes while reducing environmental pollutants. By focusing on terpenes—widely found in nature and amenable to green chemistry principles—our work not only contributes to the field of polymer science but also aligns with the increasing need for sustainable materials in the context of rising oil prices and environmental concerns. This study represents a significant step towards engineered polymers with predetermined chain lengths and copolymerization possibilities, highlighting the viability of green practices in synthetic polymer chemistry.