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Dynamic Semi IPNs with Duple Dynamic Linkers: Self-Healing, Reprocessing, Welding, and Shape Memory Behaviors
Yanning Zeng1, Weiming Yang1, Shuxin Liu1
1Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metal and Materials (Ministry of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China.
Polymers
|June 2, 2021
Summary
This study introduces novel recyclable polymers using dual dynamic chemistries for enhanced properties. These covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer reprocessing, self-healing, and shape memory capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Polymers
Background:
- Thermoset polymers offer excellent properties but pose environmental challenges due to their non-recyclable nature.
- Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) utilizing Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry or boronic ester bonds offer pathways to recyclable polymers.
- Existing CANs often rely on single dynamic linkages, potentially limiting their adaptability and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel covalent adaptable network (CAN) with multiple dynamic linkers for enhanced recyclability and material properties.
- To investigate the synthesis and dynamic characteristics of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi IPNs) incorporating thermoplastic polyurethane.
- To demonstrate the reprocessing, self-healing, welding, and shape memory capabilities of the developed semi IPNs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a linear copolymer of styrene and furfuryl methacrylate.
- Crosslinking the copolymer with a boronic ester crosslinker to form CANs.
- Incorporation of thermoplastic polyurethane to create semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi IPNs).
- Characterization of the dynamic properties and reprocessing behaviors of the semi IPNs.
Main Results:
- Successfully constructed novel CANs featuring dual dynamic linkers: Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry and boronic ester bonds.
- The semi IPNs exhibited tunable topologies due to the reversible nature of both DA reactions and boronic ester transesterification.
- Reprocessing was achieved via microinjection molding, with restored mechanical properties after remolding at 190 °C for 5 minutes.
- Demonstrated self-healing, welding, and shape memory functionalities.
Conclusions:
- The developed semi IPNs with multiple dynamic linkers provide a promising route towards sustainable and high-performance polymers.
- The combination of DA chemistry and boronic ester bonds in a semi IPN structure enhances material adaptability and recyclability.
- These findings pave the way for advanced recyclable materials with tailored functionalities for diverse applications.
