Covalent Adaptable Networks: Reprocessable Cross-Linked Polymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Thermoset polymers offer excellent stability but lack repairability and recyclability due to permanent covalent cross-links.
• Dynamic covalent chemistry enables bond rearrangement, leading to the development of adaptable polymer networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history, classification, and nomenclature of covalent adaptable networks (CANs).
• To provide a comprehensive survey of dynamic reactions, linkage chemistries, and characterization methods for CANs.
• To highlight advanced applications and future perspectives for CANs in sustainable materials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and recent advancements in covalent adaptable networks.
• Analysis of dynamic reactions and linkage chemistries enabling network adaptability.
• Survey of characterization techniques and reprocessing methods for CANs.

Main Results:

• CANs, or dynamic covalent adaptable networks, allow for polymer reshaping and repair through controlled bond exchange reactions.
• A comprehensive overview of CANs' evolution, classification, and diverse chemistries is presented.
• Emerging applications in composites and stimuli-responsive materials showcase CANs' versatility.

Conclusions:

• CANs represent a significant advancement for plastic circularity and the design of stimuli-responsive materials.
• Further development in new chemistries and understanding of bond exchange mechanisms will drive scalable, sustainable, and high-value applications.
• CANs offer a promising pathway toward more sustainable and adaptable polymer-based materials.