Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
09:12
Functionalization of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Thermo-reversible Block Copolymers and Characterization by Small-angle Neutron Scattering
Published on: June 1, 2016
Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs): A Unique Paradigm in Crosslinked Polymers
Christopher J Kloxin1, Timothy F Scott, Brian J Adzima
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0424, USA.
Macromolecules
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are novel dynamic materials that respond to stimuli. Their unique properties enable advanced applications like recyclability and self-healing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Polymer networks with reversible covalent crosslinks are a new class of smart materials.
- Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are designed for dynamic characteristics in specialty applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the unique attributes of CANs for design, fabrication, and characterization.
- To highlight considerations for stimuli-responsive CANs (thermal or photochemical).
Main Methods:
- Review of reversible reactions for crosslink candidates in CANs.
- Discussion on specialized characterization methods for CAN mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Identified few readily and repeatedly reversible reactions suitable for CANs.
- Highlighted unique attributes requiring special consideration in CAN characterization.
- CANs exhibit advantageous properties including recyclability, healability, tunability, shape changes, and low polymerization stress.
Conclusions:
- CANs offer significant advantages due to their dynamic nature.
- Further trends and future directions are identified for advancing CAN technology.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
02:18Network Covalent Solids
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
01:20Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...