<b>Innovative Design Strategies for Sustainable Functional Polymer Systems</b>

<p dir="ltr">The growing environmental impact of plastic pollution has intensified the demand for sustainable polymer systems that combine high performance, processability, and environmental responsibility. This thesis presents innovative molecular design strategies for creating functional and recyclable polymers by integrating synthetic chemistry with emerging tools in artificial intelligence (AI). First, a series of luminescent polymers based on the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) mechanism were synthesized by incorporating cleavable tert-butyl ester groups into the polymer backbones, enabling controlled depolymerization and refunctionalization without compromising light-emitting efficiency. Beyond electroactive materials, the second part addresses the recycling challenges of traditional plastics, particularly the poor compatibility of mixed polymer waste. To overcome this, universal linkers containing reversible dynamic bonds and azide end groups were developed to chemically bond with inert polymers, forming compatible phases within immiscible polymer blends. These linkers significantly improved mechanical properties and enabled multiple cycles of mechanical recycling with minimal performance loss. In the final section, AI and automation were applied to accelerate the discovery of electrochromic polymers (ECPs) through a closed-loop platform that integrates machine learning (ML), predictive modeling, and robotic synthesis, enabling efficient inverse design and rapid material development. Collectively, this work demonstrates how smart molecular design, dynamic bonding strategies, and AI-driven discovery can be combined to advance sustainable materials, supporting the vision of a circular polymer economy.</p>