The use of reversible (dynamic) chemistry allows access macroscopically adaptive, stimuli-responsive materials. We have been interested in the potential of such structurally dynamic systems to access new material platforms. We have developed a range of new polymer films that change their properties in response to a given stimulus, such as temperature, light or specific chemicals, where the response is governed by dynamic chemistry incorporated into the polymeric architecture. Such dynamic materials have been targeted toward applications that include new implantable adaptive nanocomposites (figure 1a), healable plastics, sensors for chemical warfare agents (figure 1b), shape memory materials and thermally and mechanically responsive hydrogels.

Structurally dynamic polymers: From sea cucumbers to optically healable films

245th National Meeting (2013)

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