Interpenetrating networks (IPN) comprise two or more networks which not covalently bonded each other. Although they are not covalently bonded, those networks cannot be isolated unless bonds are broken. Single Networks (SN) contains only one type of networks and covalently crosslinked. Because of the polymer architecture, IPNs can enhance properties and introduce new properties to the material. More entanglements in IPN create ‘entanglement force’ or ‘cohesive force’ which can act as intermolecular locking forces within the networks as in the tube model. This cause higher stress at break in IPN compare to SN. In addition to the polymer architecture, incorporation of thermoresponsive dynamic covalent linkages into these polymer networks can furthermore intensify thermo-mechanical properties of the material. In this study, we are using Thiol-michael bonds as the crosslinker which is active above 900C. Dynamic nature of the Thiol-Michael crosslinker allows the transition of IPNs into SN above 900C resulting similar polymer architecture in both SN and IPN. Once the IPN heated up to 900C, Thiol-Michael bonds can activate and exchange with each other resulting a single network type polymer. This results similar self-healing stress-strain curves for both SN and IPN. Furthermore, diluted polymerization solution can lead to have more loops within the single networks resulting negative impact on mechanical properties. Those defects are higher in SN compare to IPN. However, heating helps to reduce the number of floppy loops created in the networks by concentrating the polymer material. In addition to concentrating, dynamic nature of the TM crosslinker helps to unfold those loops at higher temperature and strengthen the network. In this study, we have synthesized SN and IPN using Hydroxy Ethyl Acrylate as the monomer and TMMDA (Thiol-Michael Adduct) as the thermoresponsive dynamic crosslinker. Materials will be characterized thermally and mechanically including self-healing ability, tensile strength, Dynamic mechanical Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry.

Transition between interpenetrated and single networks using dynamic chemistry

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.