Growing Strategy for Postmodifying Cross-Linked Polymers' Bulky Size, Shape, and Mechanical Properties

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science and Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Living organisms are open systems capable of growth and property adaptation, unlike conventional synthetic materials with fixed characteristics.
• A need exists for synthetic polymers that can continuously grow and exhibit programmable structural and functional changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategy for enabling cross-linked polymers to continuously grow with programmable bulk structures and properties.
• To demonstrate the integration of various polymerizable components and the alteration of bulk properties in grown polymer materials.

Main Methods:

• A repeatable growth strategy involving swelling polymerizable components into cross-linked polymers.
• In situ polymerization of the swollen components followed by homogenization of the original and newly formed polymer networks.
• Utilizing acrylate-based polymers as a model system to demonstrate property changes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated continuous polymer growth with programmable structures and properties.
• Showcased the ability to integrate diverse polymerizable components, leading to altered bulk properties.
• Observed transformations from elastomers to organogels and hydrogels with updated functions like photochromism and thermoresponsiveness.

Conclusions:

• The developed growing strategy is applicable to various acrylate systems, offering a pathway for next-generation polymer design.
• This approach holds significant potential for creating smartening systems and enabling postmodification of cross-linked polymer materials.