Covalent adaptable networks (CANS) have risen in popularity due to their thermoplastic like processability while retaining thermoset characteristics such as chemical resistance and thermomechanical stability. Polyanhydrides are an example of an intrinsic CAN capable of undergoing dynamic covalent exchange with the added benefit of surface eroding hydrolysis for biomedical applications. Additionally, radical polymerization of anhydride-containing monomers allows for the formation of highly crosslinked materials without the often harsh conditions used in polycondensation reactions, which can be plagued by disproportionation, oligomerization or cyclization of the anhydride. In this study, methacrylic anhydride is copolymerized with various acrylic monomers. The crosslinked products were analyzed in order to probe the anhydride dynamic covalent exchange. In addition to spectroscopic studies, the dynamic covalent exchange was assessed through the recyclability of the polymers. Finally, the erosion behavior of the polyanhydride copolymers was determined, and showed that copolymer with high anhydride content undergo surface erosion.

Study of dynamic covalent exchange in methacrylic anhydride copolymers

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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