<i>The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the thioester-hydroxyl exchange reactions within a variety of acrylate and methacrylate polymer networks. Upon the acyl transfer from the thioester to hydroxyl, thiol groups are freed and rendered accessible for further functionalizations/reactions. Depending on the exchange temperature, choice of the catalyst as well as the initial thioester content, stress relaxation, bulk shape control and subsequent functionalization reactions within the networks were demonstrated. As exchange catalysts different nucleophiles and bases were used. It was found that 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG) facilitates the OH-thioester exchange at ambient conditions. On the other hand, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) was shown to be the most efficient catalyst for exchange at elevated temperatures. Over 60 % stress reduction was observed in one hour at the temperature above Tg in materials containing DMAP. Because of self-limiting character of this dynamic exchange process, desired and quick post-polymerization transformations are possible leading to materials with unprecedented properties and broad applications.</i>

Metamorphosis within polymer networks: Stress relaxation, network shape control and second-stage functionalization reactions

255th National Meeting (2018)

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