This work investigates the performance and reusability of polymer adhesives. New dynamic covalent polymer networks of bifunctional maleimide prepolymers and multifunctional furan crosslinkers based on polyester and polyurethane backbones were explored.<br/>Exposure to temperatures above the retro Diels-Alder reaction for 1 hour readily dissociates the network, which then reforms upon cooling to ambient temperature within 7 days, confirmed <i>via</i> FTIR spectroscopy. Reformation can be shortened to hours with moderate heating. Additionally, conversion is independent of backbone type such as change in crystallinity or functional group concentration. The networks displayed high bond strength in lap shear adhesion measurements, even after multiple reuses via heating and cooling cycles. Both the heating rate and concentration of maleimide/ furan functional groups dictated the temperature of retro Diels-Alder, visible by DSC analysis.

Facile and versatile covalently adaptable Diels-Alder networks for adhesive applications

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