Materials that demonstrate high mechanical robustness with full degradability may find use in myriad applications, but few examples exist. By combining new designed monomers with an understanding of network topology, we demonstrate a simple strategy to endow known mechanically-tough crosslinked materials with the ability to readily dissolve into soluble fragments on demand while preserving its mechanical properties. We use this approach to characterize the microstructrue within these materials and demonstrate the utility of these materials in a variety of applications. Finally, we demonstrate how this approach can analogously be used to upgrade other types of commercially-relevant materials. Overall, this work demonstrates how the careful design of new monomers can be an enabling strategy to improve known materials and endow them with novel properties.

Endowing materials with degradability

2019 Fall National Meeting

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