Polymer materials have been divided into two categories: linear polymers and cross-linked or network polymers. Linear polymers typically have melting points and can be reprocessed and recycled, but are not durable enough for many applications. Crosslinked polymers, commonly called thermosets, are mechanically tough but are not able to be recycled. Malleable crosslinked polymers are a new class of materials, wherein reversible covalent bonds are employed. These materials can exhibit mechanical properties of typical thermosets under ambient conditions, yet at elevated temperatures or under other stimuli they can be reprocessed and 100% recycled through a cross-link exchange and rearrangement process, usually with the aid of catalysts. This presentation will focus on the development of catalyst-free network polymers consisting of imine- or ether-based dynamic covalent linkages, which become malleable upon activation of the bond reversibility, thus enabling their unique processability and full recyclability while retaining tough mechanical properties. The application of such malleable thermosets in functional composites fabrication, e.g., carbon fiber reinforced composites, electronic skin, 3D printing, will also be discussed.

Rational design and synthesis of fully recyclable thermosets via dynamic covalent chemistry

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ACS Fall 2022

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