Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) can be easily molded, extruded, and reused like plastics and exhibit typical elastic properties like rubbers. They are widely used in the automotive sector and household appliances sector. The synthesis of thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers using only ethylene as feedstock in a single step is a fascinating concept. The synthesis of polyethylene thermoplastic elastomers through α-diimine nickel catalyzed ethylene polymerization has been successfully achieved in recent years. However, the utilization of α-diimine palladium catalysts for this purpose is much more challenging due to their greater chain-walking tendency versus the nickel counterpart, thereby leading to the formation of highly branched polyolefins with poor mechanical properties. In this contribution, we report the direct synthesis of polyethylene thermoplastic elastomers through α-diimine palladium catalyzed ethylene polymerization. With exquisite catalyst design and polymerization regulation, polyethylene thermoplastic elastomers with great mechanical and elastic properties can be obtained. Most importantly, polar functionalized polyethylene thermoplastic elastomers bearing great elastic properties can be generated through copolymerization of ethylene with biomass-derived comonomers.

中文翻译：

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极性官能化聚乙烯热塑性弹性体的直接合成

热塑性弹性体（TPE）可以像塑料一样轻松地成型，挤压和重复使用，并具有像橡胶一样的典型弹性。它们被广泛用于汽车领域和家用电器领域。仅使用乙烯作为原料的热塑性聚烯烃弹性体的一步合成是一个令人着迷的概念。近年来，已经成功地实现了通过α-二亚胺镍催化的乙烯聚合来合成聚乙烯热塑性弹性体。然而，由于α-二亚胺钯催化剂相对于镍对应物具有更大的链走倾向，因此将α-二亚胺钯催化剂用于该目的更具挑战性，从而导致形成具有差的机械性能的高度支化的聚烯烃。在这项贡献中，我们报道了通过α-二亚胺钯催化的乙烯聚合反应直接合成聚乙烯热塑性弹性体。通过精美的催化剂设计和聚合调节，可以获得具有良好机械和弹性的聚乙烯热塑性弹性体。最重要的是，可以通过乙烯与生物质衍生的共聚单体的共聚来产生具有很大弹性的极性官能化聚乙烯热塑性弹性体。