Enhancing Ultrasound-Assisted Iodine-Mediated Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization by Piezoelectric Nanoparticles

The development of mechanochemical tools for regulating the polymerization process has received an increasing amount of attention in recent years. Herein, we report the example of the mechanically controlled iodine-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (mechano-RDRP) using piezoelectric tetragonal BaTiO3 nanoparticles (T-BTO) as mechanoredox catalyst and alkyl iodide as the initiator. We demonstrated a more efficient mechanochemical initiation and reversible deactivation process than sonochemical activation via a mechanoredox-mediated alkyl iodide cleavage reaction. The mechanochemical activation of the C-I bond was verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Theoretical calculations together with experimental results confirmed the more efficient initiation and polymerization than the traditional sonochemical approach. The influence of BaTiO3, initiator, and solvent was further examined to reveal the mechanism of the mechano-RDRP. The results showed good controllability over molecular weight and capacity for a one-pot chain extension. This work expands the scope of mechanically controlled polymerization and shows good potential in the construction of adaptive materials.

Self-Healing Polymers and Composites: Extrinsic Routes

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Polymers have the property to convert the physical stress to covalent bond shuffling, thereby acting as the healing agents. Polymeric coatings, paints, electronic devices, drug delivery, and many other applications find self-healing materials as a smart technique to prolong the life cycle of the end products. The idea behind these artificial materials is to make them behave like the human body. It should sense the failure and repair it before it becomes worse or irreparable. Researchers have explored several polymeric materials which can self-heal through intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms. This review specifically focuses on extrinsic routes governed by mechanical stress, temperature change in a covalent bond, humidity, variation in pH, optical sensitivity, and electrochemical effects. Each possible mechanism is further supported by the molecules or bonds which can undergo the transformations under given conditions. On a broader scale, bonds that can self-repair by mechanical force, thermal treatment, chemical modifications, UV irradiation, or electromagnetic phenomenon are covered under this review. It brings into the notice the shortcomings or challenges in adopting the technology to the commercial scale. The possible molecules or bonds which can undergo self-healing under certain conditions have been distinctly presented in a well-segregated manner. This review is envisaged to act as a guide for researchers working in this area.

Mechanochemistry in Polymers with Supramolecular Mechanophores

Mechanochemistry is a burgeoning field of materials science. Inspired by nature, many scientists have looked at different ways to introduce weak bonds into polymeric materials to impart them with function and in particular mechano-responsiveness. In the following sections, the incorporation of some of the weakest bonds, i.e. non-covalent bonds, into polymeric solids is being surveyed. This review covers sequentially π-π interactions, H-bonding and metal-ligand coordination bonds and tries to highlight some of the advantages and limitations of such systems, while providing some key perspective of what may come next in this tantalizing field.

The mechanochemical production of phenyl cations through heterolytic bond scission

High mechanical forces applied to polymeric materials typically induce unselective chain scission. For the last decade, mechanoresponsive molecules, mechanophores, have been designed to harness the mechanical energy applied to polymers and provide a productive chemical response. The selective homolysis of chemical bonds was achieved by incorporating peroxide and azo mechanophores into polymer backbones. However, selective heterolysis in polymer mechanochemistry is still mostly unachieved. We hypothesized that highly polarized bonds in ionic species are likely to undergo heterolytic bond scission. To test this, we examined a triarylsulfonium salt (TAS) as a mechanophore. Poly(methyl acrylate) possessing TAS at the center of the chain (PMA-TAS) is synthesized by a single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) method. Computational and experimental studies in solution reveal the mechanochemical production of phenyl cations from PMA-TAS. Interestingly, the generated phenyl cation reacts with its counter-anion (trifluoromethanesulfonate) to produce a terminal trifluoromethyl benzene structure that, to the best of our knowledge, is not observed in the photolysis of TAS. Moreover, the phenyl cation can be trapped by the addition of a nucleophile. These findings emphasize the interesting reaction pathways that become available by mechanical activation.

Stress-responsive polymers containing cyclobutane core mechanophores: reactivity and mechanistic insights

A primary goal of covalent mechanochemistry is to develop polymer bound mechanophores that undergo constructive transformations in response to otherwise destructive forces. The [2 + 2] cycloreversion of cyclobutane mechanophores has emerged as a versatile framework to develop a wide range of stress-activated functionality. Herein, we report the development of a class of cyclobutane bearing bicyclo[4.2.0]octane mechanophores. Using carbodiimide polyesterification, these stress-responsive units were incorporated into high molecular weight polymers containing up to 700 mechanophores per polymer chain. Under exposure to the otherwise destructive elongational forces of pulsed ultrasound, these mechanophores unravel by ∼7 Å per monomer unit to form α,β-unsaturated esters that react constructively via thiol-ene conjugate addition to form sulfide functionalized copolymers and cross-linked polymer networks. To probe the dynamics of the mechanochemical ring opening, a series of bicyclo[4.2.0]octane derivatives that varied in stereochemistry, substitution, and symmetry were synthesized and activated. Reactivity and product stereochemistry was analyzed by (1)H NMR, which allowed us to interrogate the mechanism of the mechanochemical [2 + 2] cycloreversion. These results support that the ring opening is not concerted but proceeds via a 1,4 diradical intermediate. The bicyclo[4.2.0]octanes hold promise as active functional groups in new classes of stress-responsive polymeric materials.

Mechanocatalytic Polymerization and Cross-Linking in a Polymeric Matrix

A latent olefin metathesis catalyst, bearing two polymeric NHC ligands, was embedded in a semicrystalline polymer matrix containing cyclic olefins. The catalyst was activated by straining the solid material under compression, resulting in polymerization and cross-linking reactions of the monomers in situ. Catalyst activation in the solid state may be employed in new self-healing materials.

"Flex-activated" mechanophores: using polymer mechanochemistry to direct bond bending activation

We describe studies in mechanochemical transduction that probe the activation of bonds orthogonal to an elongated polymer main chain. Compression of mechanophore-cross-linked materials resulted in the release of small molecules via cleavage of covalent bonds that were not integral components of the elongated polymer segments. The reactivity is proposed to arise from the distribution of force through the cross-linking units of the polymer network and subsequent bond bending motions that are consistent with the geometric changes in the overall reaction. This departure from contemporary polymer mechanochemistry, in which activation is achieved primarily by force-induced bond elongation, is a first step toward mechanophores capable of releasing side-chain functionalities without inherently compromising the overall macromolecular architecture.

Methods for activating and characterizing mechanically responsive polymers

Mechanically responsive polymers harness mechanical energy to facilitate unique chemical transformations and bestow materials with force sensing (e.g., mechanochromism) or self-healing capabilities. A variety of solution- and solid-state techniques, covering a spectrum of forces and strain rates, can be used to activate mechanically responsive polymers. Moreover, many of these methods have been combined with optical spectroscopy or chemical labeling techniques to characterize the products formed via mechanical activation of appropriate precursors in situ. In this tutorial review, we discuss the methods and techniques that have been used to supply mechanical force to macromolecular systems, and highlight the advantages and challenges associated with each.

Performance of Mechanochemically Activated Catalysts Is Enhanced by Suppression of the Thermal Effects of Ultrasound

In this work, we demonstrate that the performance of mechanochemically activated transesterification and alkene metathesis catalysts is significantly enhanced when the thermal effects of ultrasound are suppressed. Suppression of these effects is realized by performing the reaction under methane instead of argon. Not only do these results provide further confirmation of the true mechanochemical nature of the ultrasonic activation of the catalysts, but it also strongly recommends the use of methane as standard saturation gas when studying the mechanochemical effects of ultrasound.

Bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane mechanophores for the non-scissile and photochemically reversible generation of reactive bis-enones

Force-induced transformations of polymer-bound functionalities have the potential to produce a rich array of stress-responsive behavior. One area of particular interest is the activation of non-scissile mechanophores in which latent reactivity can be unveiled that, under the appropriate conditions, could lead to constructive bond formation in materials exposed to typically destructive stress. Here, the mechanical activation of a bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane (BCH) mechanophore is demonstrated via selective labeling of bis-enone products. BCH ring-opening produces large local elongation (>4 Å) and products that are reactive to conjugate additions under mild conditions. Subsequent photocyclization regenerates the initial BCH functionality, providing switchable structure and reactivity along the polymer backbone in response to stress and visible light.

Polymer Mechanochemistry: Force Enabled Transformations

In this viewpoint, we highlight the ability of mechanical force to overcome the limitations associated with using thermal or photochemical stimuli to facilitate chemical transformations. Emphasis will be directed toward examples of new chemical reactions that are accessed through externally applied mechanical forces, as these are illustrative of the emerging concept of using polymer chemistry to drive the synthesis of small molecules. In parallel, we offer perspectives on the potential applications of polymer mechanochemistry in the development of novel synthetic strategies.

Microstructure of Copolymers Formed by the Reagentless, Mechanochemical Remodeling of Homopolymers via Pulsed Ultrasound

The high shear forces generated during the pulsed ultrasound of dilute polymer solutions lead to large tensile forces that are focused near the center of the polymer chain, but quantitative experimental evidence regarding the force distribution is rare. Here, pulsed ultrasound of quantitatively geminal-dihalocyclopropanated (gDHC) polybutadiene provides insights into the distribution. Pulsed ultrasound leads to the mechanochemical ring-opening of the gDHC mechanophore to a 2,3-dihaloalkene. The alkene product is then degraded through ozonolysis to leave behind only those stretches of the polymer that have not experienced large enough forces to be activated. Microstructural and molecular weight analysis reveals that the activated and unactivated regions of the polymer are continuous, indicating a smooth and monotonic force distribution from the midchain peak toward the polymer ends. When coupled to chain scission, the net process constitutes the rapid, specific, and reagentless conversion of a single homopolymer into block copolymers. Despite their compositional polydispersity, the sonicated polymers assemble into ordered lamellar phases that are characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering.

Mechanical control of nanomaterials and nanosystems

In situations of power outage or shortage, such as periods just following a seismic disaster, the only reliable power source available is the most fundamental of forces i.e., manual mechanical stimuli. Although there are many macroscopic mechanical tools, mechanical control of nanomaterials and nanosystems has not been an easy subject to develop even by using advanced nanotechnological concepts. However, this challenge has now become a hot topic and many new ideas and strategies have been proposed recently. This report summarizes recent research examples of mechanical control of nanomaterials and nanosystems. Creation of macroscopic mechanical outputs by efficient accumulation of molecular-level phenomena is first briefly introduced. We will then introduce the main subject: control of molecular systems by macroscopic mechanical stimuli. The research described is categorized according to the respective areas of mechanical control of molecular structure, molecular orientation, molecular interaction including cleavage and healing, and biological and micron-level phenomena. Finally, we will introduce two more advanced approaches, namely, mechanical strategies for microdevice fabrication and mechanical control of molecular machines. As mechanical forces are much more reliable and widely applicable than other stimuli, we believe that development of mechanically responsive nanomaterials and nanosystems will make a significant contribution to fundamental improvements in our lifestyles and help to maintain and stabilize our society.

Mechanically induced scission and subsequent thermal remending of perfluorocyclobutane polymers

Perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) polymer solutions were subjected to pulsed ultrasound, leading to mechanically induced chain scission and molecular weight degradation. (19)F NMR revealed that the new, mechanically generated end groups are trifluorovinyl ethers formed by cycloreversion of the PFCB groups, a process that differs from thermal degradation pathways. One consequence of the mechanochemical process is that the trifluorovinyl ether end groups can be remended simply by subjecting the polymer solution to the original polymerization conditions, that is, heating to >150 °C. Stereochemical changes in the PFCBs, in combination with radical trapping experiments, indicate that PFCB scission proceeds via a stepwise mechanism with a 1,4-diradical intermediate, offering a potential mechanism for localized functionalization and cross-linking in regions of high stress.