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Vitrimeric Silicone Elastomers Enabled by Dynamic Meldrum's Acid-Derived Cross-Links.
Jacob S A Ishibashi1, Julia A Kalow1
1Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 27, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new dynamic chemical reaction for creating recyclable silicone elastomers. The novel vitrimer material demonstrates excellent mechanical stability after multiple compression-remolding cycles, expanding options for sustainable materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Current vitrimer technology relies on a limited number of cross-linking reactions.
- Diversifying dynamic reactions can enhance vitrimer functionality and properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new dynamic cross-linking reaction for vitrimer synthesis.
- To enable compression-remolding of silicone elastomers using reversible thiol-based chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conjugate addition-elimination of thiols with a Meldrum's acid derivative to form reversible cross-links.
- Investigated the properties of silicone elastomers cross-linked with the new system.
- Performed 10 cycles of compression-remolding and analyzed mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- The new cross-linker enabled compression-remolding of silicone elastomers.
- No discernible deterioration in mechanical properties (Young's modulus, glass transition temperature, rubbery plateau modulus) was observed after 10 remolding cycles.
- Stress relaxation activation energy remained unchanged, indicating robust dynamic behavior.
Conclusions:
- A robust and recyclable silicone elastomer was developed using a novel dynamic thiol-Meldrum's acid derivative cross-linking system.
- This new cross-linker offers a viable alternative to permanent thiol-ene cross-linking, broadening the scope of recyclable materials.
- The developed vitrimer exhibits excellent recyclability and sustained mechanical integrity.
