This presentation will discuss our recent progress in developing sustainable thermoset polymers that are strong, self-healing, malleable, and recyclable by using robust while dynamic boron-oxygen (B–O) and silyl ether (Si–O) bonds. Our goal for this project is to develop a robust and universal strategy for the design of sustainable polymeric materials.  Specifically, we aim to combine the excellent attributes of both thermoplastics (reprocessability, recyclability) and thermosets (mechanical strength, creep and solvent resistances) through robust dynamic covalent chemistry. We are particularly focused on developing robust dynamic covalent interactions that can lead to thermosets that are mechanically strong, highly malleable, and fully reprocessable and recyclable.  In this talk, I will summarize our most recent progress of this project with specific focus on our investigation of sustainable thermosets using boron-oxygen (B–O) and silyl ether (Si–O) exchange reactions. Successful demonstration of robust, malleable, and reprocessable/recyclable thermosets will have major impact on new materials development, polymer recycling and sustainability, and modern technologies including additive manufacturing.

Sustainable polymer network designs using robust B–O and Si–O dynamic covalent bonds

2019 Fall National Meeting

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