Traditionally, polymer materials have been divided into two categories: linear polymers and cross-linked or network polymers.  Linear polymers typically have melting points and can be reprocessed and recycled, but are not durable enough for many applications.  Cross-linked polymers, commonly called thermosets, are mechanically tough, but are not able to be recycled.  Malleable polymers are a new class of materials, wherein reversible covalent bonds are employed.  These materials typically include catalysts and can maintain mechanical properties consistent with thermosets under ambient conditions, yet at elevated temperatures they can be reprocessed and recycled through a cross-link exchange and rearrangement process. This presentation will be focused on the development of a catalyst-free malleable network polymer, which can be completely recycled through application of either heat or water.  This material takes advantage of reversible metathesis reaction to achieve its unique process-ability while retaining tough mechanical properties.

Heat or water driven self-healing in a highly-recyclable covalent network polymer

248th National Meeting (2014)

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