The consolidation of metal cations into a polymer architecture has been demonstrated as an efficient method to modify the mechanical behavior of polymeric materials. In particular, when organometallic complexes can function as network crosslinkers, they influence stiffness, strength, ductility, and characteristic time scales of the polymer. The metal-ligand interactions that form these complexes can vary from weak dynamic bonds to strong, covalent-like bonds that are effectively static; this range of behaviors makes these complexes a widespread approach for controlling the mechanical properties of polymers. Further, the complexes can impart desirable characteristics such as self-healing, and stimuli responsiveness that, usually, are not achievable with covalent bonding.<br/><br/>Here I will discuss three different acrylate/methacrylate material systems in which we use metal coordination bonds to tailor the mechanical properties of solid polymers. We explore manipulating bulk properties by changing the quantity of metal, by changing the type of metal, and by introducing additional coordinating ligands. While each system and method is unique, we find throughout that property changes result from a non-trivial combination of changes in bond stiffness, bond strength, complex coordination/network topology, and non-bonded interactions. Where relevant, we will provide rheological theory and density functional theory results to support fundamental understanding of these metallopolymer mechanics.

Mechanical properties of metallopolymers: Combined experimental and theoretical study

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.