On-Demand Deconstructable Thermosets Through Cleavable Comonomer and Thermolatent Base Synergy
Sophia Kouider1, Loic Buchon2,3, Luna Choulot1
1Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Institut De Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, Marseille, France.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 6, 2026
Summary
New thermosets can be rapidly deconstructed on demand using heat or near-infrared light. This breakthrough enables efficient chemical recycling of high-performance materials, addressing end-of-life management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Thermosets offer excellent chemical and mechanical properties but suffer from poor recyclability due to permanent crosslinked networks.
- Conventional recycling methods using cleavable comonomers require slow diffusion of harsh acidic or basic solutions, limiting practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop on-demand deconstructable thermosets that maintain performance during use but allow for efficient recycling.
- To enable sustainable end-of-life management for high-performance thermosetting materials.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of stimuli-responsive thermolatent bases with cleavable comonomers before polymerization.
- Utilizing thermolatent 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene derivatives in radical copolymerization and ring-opening metathesis polymerization.
- Activation via near-infrared photothermal or thermal treatment (>100°C) for network deconstruction.
Main Results:
- The developed thermosets exhibit classical performance during thermal or photoinitiated curing, including 3D printing.
- Rapid network deconstruction upon activation yields soluble branched oligomers.
- Efficient chemical recycling is achieved without the need for aggressive solvents.
Conclusions:
- The strategy provides a method for programmable degradation of thermosets.
- This approach facilitates sustainable high-performance materials through efficient chemical recycling.
- The developed thermosets offer a viable solution for managing the end-of-life of advanced polymer applications.
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