Achieving High-Strength Polymer Adhesion Through Bond Exchange at the Interphase

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Bond-exchangeable cross-linked materials, such as covalent adaptable networks and vitrimers, offer reprocessability, recyclability, and healability due to polymer network relaxation via bond exchange.
• Vitrimer films are known for their adhesive capabilities across diverse substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel concept of bond exchange-based adhesion between polymers that do not inherently possess bond-exchange capabilities.
• To demonstrate significant adhesion between thermoplastic polyurethanes and poly(acrylate)s by activating bond exchange exclusively at the interphase.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing transcarbomoylation bond exchange at the contact interphase between commercial thermoplastic polyurethanes and cross-linked poly(acrylate)s.
• Incorporating a small amount of bond exchange catalyst to enhance adhesion.
• Manipulating adhesion strength and fracture behavior through controlled heating conditions.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant adhesion between thermoplastic polyurethanes and poly(acrylate)s via interphasial transcarbomoylation.
• Demonstrated that catalyst presence is crucial for effective adhesion.
• Showcased the ability to tune adhesion and fracture properties via thermal treatment.

Conclusions:

• A new functionalization approach for polymer adhesion based on targeted bond exchange at the interphase has been developed.
• This method enables strong adhesion between dissimilar polymers, creating a practical alternative to traditional adhesives.
• The study highlights the potential of controlling adhesion properties through catalyst and thermal management.