Kinetics of cross-linking and de-cross-linking of EPM rubber with thermoreversible Diels-Alder chemistry

Highly flexible yet strain-insensitive conjugated polymer

Imparting excellent electrical properties, mechanical robustness, suppleness, conduction stability during deformation, and self-healing to intrinsic conducting polymers is a challenging endeavor. The reversibly interlocked macromolecular networks (RILNs) approach is utilized to tackle this problem. Specifically, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is mixed with flexible polysulfonic acid networks crosslinked by reversible Diels-Alder bonds, while rigid polyaniline networks crosslinked by reversible Schiff base bonds act as molecular staples. Owing to the joint actions of the doping effect of polyaniline on PEDOT, the specific interlocking architecture and synergy between the component materials, the electrical conductivity (59.3-980.5 S cm-1), tensile strength (8.4-81.6 MPa) and elongation at break (44.5-411.0%) of the resultant PEDOT/RILNs films is significantly tunable according to different usage scenarios by adjusting the PEDOT content from 1.48 to 22.24 wt%. More importantly, the electrical resistance of PEDOT/RILNs remains constant during not only a single large extension and deflection but also repeated stretching (up to 1500 cycles) and bending (up to 106 cycles). The built-in reversible covalent bonds enable the PEDOT/RILNs to autonomously restore damaged mechanical and electrical performance. These record-breaking results and the demonstration of self-powered sensor made of PEDOT/RILNs suggest that the proposed approach successfully satisfies various conflicting requirements of flexible electronics regarding the properties of conducting polymers.

Kinetic Study of the Diels-Alder Reaction between Maleimide and Furan-Containing Polystyrene Using Infrared Spectroscopy

The Diels-Alder (D-A) reaction between furan and maleimide is a thermally reversible reaction that has become a vital chemical technique for designing polymer structures and functions. The kinetics of this reaction, particularly in polymer bulk states, have significant practical implications. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of utilizing infrared spectroscopy to measure the D-A reaction kinetics in bulk-state polymer. Specifically, we synthesized furan-functionalized polystyrene and added a maleimide small-molecule compound to form a D-A adduct. The intensity of the characteristic absorption peak of the D-A adduct was quantitatively measured by infrared spectroscopy, and the dependence of conversion of the D-A reaction on time was obtained at different temperatures. Subsequently, the D-A reaction apparent kinetic coefficient kapp and the Arrhenius activation energy Ea,D-A were calculated. These results were compared with those determined from 1H-NMR in the polymer solution states.

Vitrimers: Using Dynamic Associative Bonds to Control Viscoelasticity, Assembly, and Functionality in Polymer Networks

Vitrimers have been investigated in the past decade for their promise as recyclable, reprocessable, and self-healing materials. In this Viewpoint, we focus on some of the key open questions that remain regarding how the molecular-scale chemistry impacts macroscopic physical chemistry. The ability to design temperature-dependent complex viscoelastic spectra with independent control of viscosity and modulus based on knowledge of the dynamic bond and polymer chemistry is first discussed. Next, the role of dynamic covalent chemistry on self-assembly is highlighted in the context of crystallization and nanophase separation. Finally, the ability of dynamic bond exchange to manipulate molecular transport and viscoelasticity is discussed in the context of various applications. Future directions leveraging dynamic covalent chemistry to provide insights regarding fundamental polymer physics as well as imparting functionality into polymers are discussed in all three of these highlighted areas.

Designing End-of-life Recyclable Polymers via Diels-Alder Chemistry: A Review on the Kinetics of Reversible Reactions

The purpose of this review is to critically assess the kinetic behaviour of the furan/maleimide Diels-Alder click reaction. The popularity of this reaction is evident and still continues to grow, which is likely attributed to its reversibility at temperatures above 100°C, and due to its bio-based "roots" in terms of raw materials. This chemistry has been used to form thermo-reversible crosslinks in polymer networks, and thus allows the polymer field to design strong, but also end-of-life recyclable thermosets and rubbers. In this context, the rate at which the forward reaction (Diels-Alder for crosslinking) and its reverse (retro Diels-Alder for de-crosslinking) proceed as function of temperature is of crucial importance in assessing the feasibility of the design in real-life products. Differences in kinetics based from various studies are not well understood, but are potentially caused by chemical side groups, mass transfer limitations, and on the analysis methods being employed. In this work we attempt to place all the relevant studies in perspective with respect to each other, and thereby offer a general guide on how to assess their recycling kinetics. This review sheds light on the kinetics on the furan/maleimide Diels-Alder reaction. This popular reaction opens up a path to develop end-of-life recyclable polymer networks with self-healing properties. The factors affecting reaction kinetics are discussed, and the importance of accurate reaction kinetics in the context of polymer reprocessing is highlighted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Use of Ashes from Lignite Combustion as Fillers in Rubber Mixtures to Reduce VOC Emissions

This paper presents the use of ashes from brown coal combustion (BCA) as fillers in rubber mixtures, to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds. Two types of ash, BCA1 and BCA2, were selected as fillers for styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The ashes were produced during the treatment of brown coal at the Bełchatów Power Plant in the years 2017 and 2018. The morphology and chemical composition of the ash were tested. Morphology studies using scanning microscopy showed differences in the grain sizes of the ashes, and EDS analysis showed a difference in their chemical compositions. Vulcanizates with different weight proportions of the individual ashes were produced. Mixtures were made with the addition of 10-30 pts. wt. ashes per 100 g of SBR. The addition of BCA1 ash at 10 and 30 pts. wt. reduced the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) while maintaining the good strength properties of the mixtures.

Combined Analytical Approaches to Standardize and Characterize Biomaterials Formulations: Application to Chitosan-Gelatin Cross-Linked Hydrogels

A protocol based on the combination of different analytical methodologies is proposed to standardize the experimental conditions for reproducible formulations of hybrid hydrogels. The final hybrid material, based on the combination of gelatin and chitosan functionalized with methylfuran and cross-linked with 4-arm-PEG-maleimide, is able to mimic role, dynamism, and structural complexity of the extracellular matrix. Physical-chemical properties of starting polymers and finals constructs were characterized exploiting the combination of HP-SEC-TDA, UV, FT-IR, NMR, and TGA.

Influence of the Glass Transition Temperature and the Density of Crosslinking Groups on the Reversibility of Diels-Alder Polymer Networks

The interest in self-healing, recyclable, and adaptable polymers is growing. This work addresses the reversibility of crosslink formation based on Diels-Alder reaction in copolymer networks containing furfuryl and maleimide groups, which represent the "diene" and the "dienophile," respectively. The copolymers are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and free radical polymerization. The diene bearing copolymers are crosslinked either with a small molecule containing two dienophiles or with a dienophile bearing copolymer. The influence of the crosslinking temperature on the Diels-Alder reaction is analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of the glass transition temperature and the influence of the density of crosslinking groups on the thermo-reversibility of crosslinking are investigated by temperature dependent infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It is shown that the reversibility of crosslinking is strongly influenced by the glass transition temperature of the system.

Linking Molecular Behavior to Macroscopic Properties in Ideal Dynamic Covalent Networks

Dynamic covalent networks (DCvNs) are increasingly used in advanced materials design with applications ranging from recyclable thermosets to self-healing hydrogels. However, the relationship between the underlying chemistry at the junctions of DCvNs and their macroscopic properties is still not fully understood. In this work, we constructed a robust framework to predict how complex network behavior in DCvNs emerges from the chemical landscape of the dynamic chemistry at the junction. Ideal dynamic covalent boronic ester-based hydrogels were used as model DCvNs. We developed physical models that describe how viscoelastic properties, as measured by shear rheometry, are linked to the molecular behavior of the dynamic junction, quantified via fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Additionally, shear rheometry was combined with Transition State Theory to quantify the kinetics and thermodynamics of network rearrangements, enabling a mechanistic understanding including preferred reaction pathways for dynamic covalent chemistries. We applied this approach to corroborate the "loose-bolt" postulate for the reaction mechanism in Wulff-type boronic acids. These findings, grounded in molecular principles, advance our understanding and rational design of dynamic polymer networks, improving our ability to predict, design, and leverage their unique properties for future applications.

Design and Synthesis of Chitosan-Gelatin Hybrid Hydrogels for 3D Printable in vitro Models

The development of 3D printable hydrogels based on the crosslinking between chitosan and gelatin is proposed. Chitosan and gelatin were both functionalized with methyl furan groups. Chemical modification was performed by reductive amination with methyl furfural involving the lysine residues of gelatin and the amino groups of chitosan to generate hydrogels with tailored properties. The methyl furan residues present in both polymers were exploited for efficient crosslinking via Diels-Alder ligation with PEG-Star-maleimide under cell-compatible conditions. The obtained chitosan-gelatin hybrid was employed to formulate hydrogels and 3D printable biopolymers and its processability and biocompatibility were preliminarily investigated.

Thermoreversible cross-linking of ethylene/propylene copolymers based on Diels–Alder chemistry: the cross-linking reaction kinetics

The kinetics of the cross-linking reaction of ethylene/propylene rubbers based on Diels–Alder chemistry was detected by the rheological method.

Control of Gelation and Properties of Reversible Diels-Alder Networks: Design of a Self-Healing Network

Reversible Diels-Alder (DA) type networks were prepared from furan and maleimide monomers of different structure and functionality. The factors controlling the dynamic network formation and their properties were discussed. Evolution of structure during both dynamic nonequilibrium and isothermal equilibrium network formation/breaking was followed by monitoring the modulus and conversion of the monomer. The gelation, postgel growth, and properties of the thermoreversible networks from tetrafunctional furan (F4) and different bismaleimides (M2) were controlled by the structure of the maleimide monomer. The substitution of maleimides with alkyl (hexamethylene bismaleimide), aromatic (diphenyl bismaleimide), and polyether substituents affects differently the kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermoreversible DA reaction, and thereby the formation of dynamic networks. The gel-point temperature was tuned in the range T_gel = 97-122 °C in the networks of the same functionality (F4-M2) with different maleimide structure. Theory of branching processes was used to predict the structure development during formation of the dynamic networks and the reasonable agreement with the experiment was achieved. The experimentally inaccessible information on the sol fraction in the reversible network was received by applying the theory. Based on the acquired results, the proper structure of a self-healing network was designed.

High-Performance Adhesives Based on Maleic Anhydride-g-EPDM Rubbers and Polybutene for Laminating Cast Polypropylene Film and Aluminum Foil

The adhesion between aluminum (Al) foil and cast polypropylene (CPP) film laminated with mixtures of amorphous- and crystalline-maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (MAH-g-EPDM) rubbers and highly reactive polybutene (HRPB) as the adhesives was investigated. Specifically, the HRPB was used as an adhesion promoter of the MAH-g-EPDM rubbers and CPP as well as a compatibilizer of two kinds of MAH-g-EPDM rubbers having limited miscibility. To introduce strong chemical bonds between the MAH-g-EPDM rubbers and Al foil, the surface of Al foil was treated with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). The weak adhesion between Al foil and MAH-g-EPDM rubbers was improved by imidization between the amine groups (–NH2) of APTES and the maleic anhydride groups (MAH) of MAH-g-EPDM rubbers. The effects of the composition of adhesives, tempering time and adhesive thickness were also studied to optimize the adhesion of the CPP/Al foil laminates. We concluded that MAH-g-EPDM rubber based adhesives containing HRPB can be applied for the lamination of Al foil and CPP films to satisfy the requirements of high-performance packaging materials for various purposes.

Thermoreversibly Cross-Linked EPM Rubber Nanocomposites with Carbon Nanotubes

Conductive rubber nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing conductive nanotubes (CNT) in thermoreversibly cross-linked ethylene propylene rubbers grafted with furan groups (EPM-g-furan) rubbers. Their features were studied with a strong focus on conductive and mechanical properties relevant for strain-sensor applications. The Diels-Alder chemistry used for thermoreversible cross-linking allows for the preparation of fully recyclable, homogeneous, and conductive nanocomposites. CNT modified with compatible furan groups provided nanocomposites with a relatively large tensile strength and small elongation at break. High and low sensitivity deformation experiments of nanocomposites with 5 wt % CNT (at the percolation threshold) displayed an initially linear sensitivity to deformation. Notably, only fresh samples displayed a linear response of their electrical resistivity to deformations as the resistance variation collapsed already after one cycle of elongation. Notwithstanding this mediocre performance as a strain sensor, the advantages of using thermoreversible chemistry in a conductive rubber nanocomposite were highlighted by demonstrating crack-healing by welding due to the joule effect on the surface and the bulk of the material. This will open up new technological opportunities for the design of novel strain-sensors based on recyclable rubbers.

Effect of Rubber Polarity on Cluster Formation in Rubbers Cross-Linked with Diels-Alder Chemistry

Diels–Alder chemistry has been used for the thermoreversible cross-linking of furan-functionalized ethylene/propylene (EPM) and ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVM) rubbers. Both furan-functionalized elastomers were successfully cross-linked with bismaleimide to yield products with a similar cross-link density. NMR relaxometry and SAXS measurements both show that the apolar EPM-g-furan precursor contains phase-separated polar clusters and that cross-linking with polar bismaleimide occurs in these clusters. The heterogeneously cross-linked network of EPM-g-furan contrasts with the homogeneous network in the polar EVM-g-furan. The heterogeneous character of the cross-links in EPM-g-furan results in a relatively high Young’s modulus, whereas the more uniform cross-linking in EVM-g-furan results in a higher tensile strength and elongation at break.