Reprocessable, Self-Healing, and Creep-Resistant Covalent Adaptable Network Made from Chain-Growth Monomers with Dynamic Covalent Thionourethane and Disulfide Cross-Links

We synthesized covalent adaptable networks (CANs) made from chain-growth comonomers using nonisocyanate thiourethane chemistry. We derivatized glycidyl methacrylate with cyclic dithiocarbonate (GMA-DTC), did a free-radical polymerization of n-hexyl methacrylate with GMA-DTC to obtain a statistical copolymer with 8 mol % GMA-DTC, and cross-linked it with difunctional amine. The dynamic covalent thionourethane and disulfide bonds lead to CAN reprocessability with full recovery of the cross-link density; the temperature dependence of the rubbery plateau modulus indicates that associative character dominates the dynamic response. The CAN exhibits complete self-healing at 110 °C with tensile property recovery and excellent creep resistance at 90-100 °C. Stress relaxation at 140-170 °C reveals an activation energy of 105 ± 6 kJ/mol, equal to the activation energy (Ea) of the CAN poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) backbone α-relaxation. We hypothesize that CANs with exclusively or predominantly associative dynamics have their stress-relaxation Ea defined by the α-relaxation Ea. This hypothesis is supported by stress relaxation studies on a similar poly(n-lauryl methacrylate)-based CAN.

Techno-economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass-Derived Polyhydroxyurethane and Nonisocyanate Polythiourethane Production and Reprocessing

Nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) show promise as more sustainable alternatives to conventional isocyanate-based polyurethanes (PUs). In this study, polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) and nonisocyanate polythiourethane (NIPTU) production and reprocessing models inform the results of a techno-economic analysis and a life cycle assessment. The profitability of selling PHU and NIPTU is rationalized by identifying significant production costs, indicating that raw materials drive the costs of PHU and NIPTU production and reprocessing. After stepping along a path of process improvements, PHU and NIPTU can achieve minimum selling prices (MSPs) of 3.15 and 4.39 USD kg-1, respectively. Depolymerization yields need to be optimized, and polycondensation reactions need to be investigated for the reprocessing of NIPUs into secondary (2°) NIPUs. Of the NIPUs examined here, PHU has a low depolymerization yield and NIPTU has a high depolymerization yield. Fossil energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and water consumption are reported for the biobased production of PHU, NIPTU, 2° PHU, and 2° NIPTU and compared with baseline values for fossil-based PU production. There are options for reducing environmental impacts, which could make these pathways more sustainable. If barriers to implementation are overcome, 2° NIPUs can be manufactured at lower cost and environmental impacts than those of virgin NIPUs.

Controlling Hybrid Polyhydroxyurethane Adhesive and Rheological Properties by Partial Carbonation of Biobased Epoxy Monomer

Controlling hybrid material properties by simple monomer design offers an elegant pathway to prepare thermoset adhesives with tunable properties. Herein, biobased hybrid polyhydroxyurethane/polyepoxy is prepared starting from partially carbonated cashew nut shell epoxy derivatives (NC514) and m-xylene diamine (MXDA). The curing reactions, that is, epoxy-amine and cyclic carbonate aminolysis, monitored by ATR-IR spectroscopy at 50 °C are found to be concomitant yielding highly homogeneous materials. Hybrid networks are extensively characterized by swelling tests, TGA, DMA, DSC, tensile tests, rheology, and lap-shear-test on aluminum substrates. The introduction of hydroxyurethane moieties within the epoxy-amine networks enhanced the adhesion properties (up to 20% compare to neat epoxy resins) by combining hydrogen bonding capability and vitrimeric properties (thermoset able to flow). Rheological characterizations and reprocessing tests demonstrated that hybrid adhesives with up to 47 mol% of cyclic carbonate groups are capable of covalent exchange (internally catalyzed by tertiary amine) while keeping similar thermomechanical properties and enhanced adhesion strength compare to the permanent epoxy network.

Rapidly Self-Healable and Melt-Extrudable Polyethylene Reprocessable Network Enabled with Dialkylamino Disulfide Dynamic Chemistry

Catalyst-free, radical-based reactive processing is used to transform low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into polyethylene covalent adaptable networks (PE CANs) using a dialkylamino disulfide crosslinker, BiTEMPS methacrylate (BTMA). Two versions of BTMA are used, BTMA-S2, with nearly exclusively disulfide bridges, and BTMA-Sn, with a mixture of oligosulfide bridges, to produce S2 PE CAN and Sn PE CAN, respectively. The two PE CANs exhibit identical crosslink densities, but the S2 PE CAN manifests faster stress relaxation, with average relaxation times ∼4.5 times shorter than those of Sn PE CAN over a 130 to 160 °C temperature range. The more rapid dynamics of the S2 PE CAN translate into a shorter compression-molding reprocessing time at 160 °C of only 5 min (vs 30 min for the Sn PE CAN) to achieve full recovery of crosslink density. Both PE CANs are melt-extrudable and exhibit full recovery within experimental uncertainty of crosslink density after extrusion. Both PE CANs are self-healable, with a crack fully repaired and the original tensile properties restored after 30 min for the S2 PE CAN or 60 min for the Sn PE CAN at a temperature slightly above the LDPE melting point and without the assistance of external forces.

One-Pot Preparation of Double-Network Epoxy Vitrimers with High Performance, Recyclability, and Two-Stage Stress Relaxation

Although considerable progress has been made in developing different types of vitrimers, ongoing challenges remain in tuning their mechanical and rheological properties, self-healing, and adhesion. Here, we demonstrate a one-pot method to produce a novel double-network epoxy vitrimer using an aliphatic amine cross-linker with a siloxane covalent bond and an aromatic amine cross-linker with a disulfide covalent bond. When a controlled two-stage curing process is employed, the markedly different reactivities of aliphatic amine and aromatic amine with epoxy allow for sequential cross-linked network formation, leading to the development of a double network that incorporates two types of dynamic covalent bonds. As a result, the produced vitrimers exhibit controllable mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties, as well as recyclability. This is evidenced by a tensile strength as high as 72 MPa, while maintaining ∼10% elongation at break, a wide glass-transition temperature range from 91 to 171 °C, and an adjustable two-stage stress relaxation. These characteristics suggest opportunities to develop high-performance cross-linked polymers with specific responses to time and temperatures.

Reprocessable Polymer Networks Containing Sulfur-Based, Percolated Dynamic Covalent Cross-Links and Percolated or Non-Percolated, Static Cross-Links

One method to improve the properties of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) is to reinforce them with a fraction of permanent cross-links without sacrificing their (re)processability. Here, a simple method to synthesize poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA) and poly(n-lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) networks containing static dialkyl disulfide cross-links (utilizing bis(2-methacryloyl)oxyethyl disulfide, or DSDMA, as a permanent cross-linker) and dynamic dialkylamino sulfur-sulfur cross-links (utilizing BiTEMPS methacrylate as a dissociative dynamic covalent cross-linker) is presented. The robustness and (re)processability of the CANs are demonstrated, including the full recovery of cross-link density after recycling. The authors also investigate the effect of static cross-link content on the stress relaxation responses of the CANs with and without percolated, static cross-links. As PHMA and PLMA have very different activation energies of their respective cooperative segmental mobilities, it is shown that the dissociative CANs without percolated, static cross-links have activation energies of stress relaxation that are dominated by the dissociation of BiTEMPS methacrylate cross-links rather than by the cooperative relaxations of backbone segments, i.e., the alpha relaxation. In CANs with percolated, static cross-links, the segmental relaxation of side chains, i.e., the beta relaxation, is critical in allowing for large-scale stress relaxation and governs their activation energies of stress relaxation.

Flexible, transparent, and sustainable cellulose-based films for organic solar cell substrates

Cellulose, often considered a highly promising substitute for petroleum-based plastics, offers several compelling advantages, including abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability. However, its inherent highly crystalline structure and extensive hydrogen-bonded network pose challenges for processing and recycling. In this study, we introduce the concept of cellulose vitrimers (CVs), wherein dynamic bonds are incorporated to reconfigure the hydrogen-bonded network, resulting in a mechanically robust, highly transparent material. CVs exhibit exceptional malleability, thermal stability, and noteworthy resistance to water and solvents. Due to the dynamic bond disassociation, CVs can be effectively chemically recycled using a well-established "dissolution-and-reforming" process. Moreover, CVs have proven successful as flexible substrate materials for organic solar cells, outperforming traditional petroleum-based polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Given these advantages, CVs have the potential to replace conventional petroleum-based materials as recyclable and environmentally friendly alternatives, particularly within the realm of electronic devices and displays.

A review on vegetable oil-based non isocyanate polyurethane: towards a greener and sustainable production route

The transition from conventional polyurethane (PU) to non isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is driven mainly by safety concerns, environmental considerations, and sustainability issues associated with the current PU technology. NIPU has emerged as a promising alternative, addressing limitations related to traditional PU production. There has been increasing interest in bio-based NIPU aligning with the aspiration for green materials and processes. One important biomass resource for the development of bio-based NIPU is vegetable oil, an abundant, renewable, and relatively low cost feedstock. As such, this review aims to provide insight into the progression of NIPU derived from vegetable oils. This article highlights the synthetic and green approach to NIPU production, emphasizing the method involving the polyaddition reaction of cyclic carbonates and amines. The review includes case studies on vegetable oil-based NIPU and perspectives on their properties. Further, discussions on the potential applications and commercial importance of PU and NIPU are included. Finally, we offer perspectives on possible research directions and the future prospects of NIPU, contributing to the ongoing evolution of PU technology.

Comparing Surface and Bulk Curing Processes of an Epoxy Vitrimer

We used atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and nanomechanical mapping (AFM-NM) to image the surface of a vitrimer, specifically dicarboxylic acid-cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), to assess the curing process of a surface layer and compared this to the process in the bulk. We identified the β-hydroxy esters with various functionalities that are the key to form the cross-links for a system, including difunctional DGEBA and carboxylic acids. The IR peaks of the carbonyl group in generated ester groups are distinguished clearly from those in acids, allowing us to quantitatively assess the curing process at the surface and in the bulk. The initial curing at the surface exhibits a gradual cross-linking and is found to be lower than a rapid cross-linking in the bulk due to a relatively lower concentration of the β-hydroxy esters with high functionalities. This curing process leads to a smaller chemically and mechanically heterogeneous nanostructure at the surface relative to the bulk. After multiple reprocessings, a substantial number of esters lacking dynamic exchange capability form in the bulk, which decrease the flowability and reprocessability of the vitrimers and therefore the mechanical properties.

Cascade Exotherms for Rapidly Producing Hybrid Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Foams from Room Temperature Formulations

For decades, self-blown polyurethane foams─found in an impressive range of materials─are produced by the toxic isocyanate chemistry and are difficult to recycle. Producing them in existing production plants by a rapid isocyanate-free self-blowing process from room temperature (RT) formulations is a long-lasting challenge. The recent water-induced self-blowing of nonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) formulations composed of a CO2-based tricyclic carbonate, diamine, water, and a catalyst successfully addressed the isocyanate issue, however failed to provide foams at RT. Herein, we elaborate a practical solution to empower the NIPU foam formation in record timeframes from RT formulations. We generate cascade exotherms by the addition of a highly reactive triamine and an epoxide to the formulation of the water-induced self-foaming process. These exotherms, combined to a fast cross-linking imparted by the triamine and epoxide, rapidly raise the temperature to the foaming threshold and deliver hybrid NIPU foams in 5 min with KOH as a catalyst. Careful selection of the monomers enables producing foams with a wide range of properties, as well as with an unprecedented high biobased content up to 90 wt %. Moreover, foams can be upcycled into polymer films by hot pressing, offering them a facile reuse scenario. This robust cheap process opens huge perspectives for greener foams of high biobased contents, expectedly responding to the sustainability demands of the foam sector. It is potentially compatible to the retrofitting of industrial foaming infrastructures, which is of paramount importance to accommodate existing foam production plants and address the huge foam market demands.

Polyhydroxyurethane and Poly(ethylene oxide) Multiblock Copolymer Networks: Crosslinking with Polysilsesquioxane, Reprocessing and Solid Polyelectrolyte Properties

This contribution reports the synthesis of polyhydroxyurethane (PHU)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) multiblock copolymer networks crosslinked with polysilsesquioxane (PSSQ). First, the linear PHU-PEO multiblock copolymers were synthesized via the step-growth polymerization of bis(6-membered cyclic carbonate) (B6CC) with α,ω-diamino-terminated PEOs with variable molecular weights. Thereafter, the PHU-PEO copolymers were allowed to react with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS) to afford the derivatives bearing triethoxysilane moieties, the hydrolysis and condensation of which afforded the PHU-PEO networks crosslinked with PSSQ. It was found that the PHU-PEO networks displayed excellent reprocessing properties in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonate [Zn(OTf)2]. Compared to the PHU networks crosslinked via the reaction of difunctional cyclic carbonate with multifunctional amines, the organic-inorganic PHU networks displayed the decreased reprocessing temperature. The metathesis of silyl ether bonds is responsible for the improved reprocessing behavior. By adding lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiOTf), the PHU-PEO networks were further transformed into the solid polymer electrolytes. It was found that the crystallization of PEO chains in the crosslinked networks was significantly suppressed. The solid polymer electrolytes had the ionic conductivity as high as 7.64 × 10-5 S × cm-1 at 300 K. More importantly, the solid polymer electrolytes were recyclable; the reprocessing did not affect the ionic conductivity.

Innovations in applications and prospects of non-isocyanate polyurethane bioplastics

Currently, conventional plastics are necessary for a variety of aspects of modern daily life, including applications in the fields of healthcare, technology, and construction. However, they could also contain potentially hazardous compounds like isocyanates, whose degradation has a negative impact on both the environment and human health. Therefore, researchers are exploring alternatives to plastic which is sustainable and environmentally friendly without compromising its mechanical and physical features. This review study highlights the production of highly eco-friendly bioplastic as an efficient alternative to non-biodegradable conventional plastic. Bioplastics are produced from various renewable biomass sources such as plant debris, fatty acids, and oils. Poly-addition of di-isocyanates and polyols is a technique employed over decades to produce polyurethanes (PUs) bioplastics from renewable biomass feedstock. The toxicity of isocyanates is a major concern with the above-mentioned approach. Novel green synthetic approaches for polyurethanes without using isocyanates have been attracting greater interest in recent years to overcome the toxicity of isocyanate-containing raw materials. The polyaddition of cyclic carbonates (CCs) and polyfunctional amines appears to be the most promising method to obtain non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). This method results in the creation of polymeric materials with distinctive and adaptable features with the elimination of harmful compounds. Consequently, non-isocyanate polyurethanes represent a new class of green polymeric materials. In this review study, we have discussed the possibility of creating novel NIPUs from renewable feedstocks in the context of the growing demand for efficient and ecologically friendly plastic products.

High-Performance, Light-Stimulation Healable, and Closed-Loop Recyclable Lignin-Based Covalent Adaptable Networks

In this work, high-performance, light-stimulation healable, and closed-loop recyclable covalent adaptable networks are successfully synthesized from natural lignin-based polyurethane (LPU) Zn2+ coordination structures (LPUxZy). Using an optimized LPU (LPU-20 with a tensile strength of 28.4 ± 3.5 MPa) as the matrix for Zn2+ coordination, LPUs with covalent adaptable coordination networks are obtained that have different amounts of Zn. When the feed amount of ZnCl2 is 9 wt%, the strength of LPU-20Z9 reaches 37.3 ± 3.1 MPa with a toughness of 175.4 ± 4.6 MJ m-3 , which is 1.7 times of that of LPU-20. In addition, Zn2+ has a crucial catalytic effect on "dissociation mechanism" in the exchange reaction of LPU. Moreover, the Zn2+ -based coordination bonds significantly enhance the photothermal conversion capability of lignin. The maximum surface temperature of LPU-20Z9 reaches 118 °C under the near-infrared illumination of 0.8 W m-2 . This allows the LPU-20Z9 to self-heal within 10 min. Due to the catalytic effect of Zn2+ , LPU-20Z9 can be degraded and recovered in ethanol completely. Through the investigation of the mechanisms for exchange reaction and the design of the closed-loop recycling method, this work is expected to provide insight into the development of novel LPUs with high-performance, light-stimulated heal ability, and closed-loop recyclability; which can be applied toward the expanded development of intelligent elastomers.

Circularity in polymers: addressing performance and sustainability challenges using dynamic covalent chemistries

The circularity of current and future polymeric materials is a major focus of fundamental and applied research, as undesirable end-of-life outcomes and waste accumulation are global problems that impact our society. The recycling or repurposing of thermoplastics and thermosets is an attractive solution to these issues, yet both options are encumbered by poor property retention upon reuse, along with heterogeneities in common waste streams that limit property optimization. Dynamic covalent chemistry, when applied to polymeric materials, enables the targeted design of reversible bonds that can be tailored to specific reprocessing conditions to help address conventional recycling challenges. In this review, we highlight the key features of several dynamic covalent chemistries that can promote closed-loop recyclability and we discuss recent synthetic progress towards incorporating these chemistries into new polymers and existing commodity plastics. Next, we outline how dynamic covalent bonds and polymer network structure influence thermomechanical properties related to application and recyclability, with a focus on predictive physical models that describe network rearrangement. Finally, we examine the potential economic and environmental impacts of dynamic covalent polymeric materials in closed-loop processing using elements derived from techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment, including minimum selling prices and greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout each section, we discuss interdisciplinary obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of dynamic polymers and present opportunities and new directions toward the realization of circularity in polymeric materials.

Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Covalent Adaptable Network (CAN) Polyurethanes from Lignin with Editable Shape Memory Properties

Here a new strategy of catalyst-free direct synthesis of covalent adaptable network polyurethanes (LPUs) from lignin with editable shape memory effect is reported. Using unmodified lignin, PEG, and isocyanate under the condition of the isocyanate index less than 1.0 (NCO/OH<1.0), a variety of LPUs are obtained. When NCO/OH=0.8, a stable cross-linked network can be formed (ex. the gel content of LPU50-0.8 was 98±0.3 %). The activation energy (E_a ) value of LPUs is similar to that of polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs), at around 110 kJ mol^-1 . With an increase of lignin content, the LPUs show a transition from ductile fracture to brittle fracture mode. And the mechanical properties of LPUs are significantly enhanced after extrusion processing, with the maximum modulus reaching 649±26 MPa and the maximum toughness up to 9927±111 kJ m^-3 . The improvement in mechanical properties is due to the homogenization of complex cross-linked network under the powerful external force of the extruder and the lignin that originally was free in the system participated in the exchange reactions. Moreover, LPUs can also be prepared continuously in one step by using an extruder as the reactor. In addition, LPU50-0.8 has an editable shape memory effect. This study develops a novel method for the synthesis of LPU from lignin with NCO/OH<1.0, showcasing new possibilities for value-added utilization of lignin, and expands the bio-based products portfolio from biomass feedstock to help meet future green manufacturing demands.

NIR-Triggered High-Efficiency Self-Healable Protective Optical Coating for Vision Systems

Recently, self-healing materials have evolved to recover specific functions such as electronic, magnetic, acoustic, structural or hierarchical, and biological properties. In particular, the development of self-healing protection coatings that can be applied to lens components in vision systems such as augmented reality glasses, actuators, and image and time-of-flight sensors has received intensive attention from the industry. In the present study, we designed polythiourethane dynamic networks containing a photothermal N-butyl-substituted diimmonium borate dye to demonstrate their potential applications in self-healing protection coatings for the optical components of vision systems. The optimized self-healing coating exhibited a high transmittance (∼95% in the visible-light region), tunable refractive index (up to 1.6), a moderate Abbe number (∼35), and high surface hardness (>200 MPa). When subjected to near-infrared (NIR) radiation (1064 nm), the surface temperature of the coating increased to 75 °C via the photothermal effect and self-healing of the scratched coatings occurred via a dynamic thiourethane exchange reaction. The coating was applied to a lens protector, and its self-healing performance was demonstrated. The light signal distorted by the scratched surface of the coating was perfectly restored after NIR-induced self-healing. The photoinduced self-healing process can also autonomously occur under sunlight with low energy consumption.

Self-Healing Polymeric Soft Actuators

Natural evolution has provided multicellular organisms with sophisticated functionalities and repair mechanisms for surviving and preserve their functions after an injury and/or infection. In this context, biological systems have inspired material scientists over decades to design and fabricate both self-healing polymeric materials and soft actuators with remarkable performance. The latter are capable of modifying their shape in response to environmental changes, such as temperature, pH, light, electrical/magnetic field, chemical additives, etc. In this review, we focus on the fusion of both types of materials, affording new systems with the potential to revolutionize almost every aspect of our modern life, from healthcare to environmental remediation and energy. The integration of stimuli-triggered self-healing properties into polymeric soft actuators endow environmental friendliness, cost-saving, enhanced safety, and lifespan of functional materials. We discuss the details of the most remarkable examples of self-healing soft actuators that display a macroscopic movement under specific stimuli. The discussion includes key experimental data, potential limitations, and mechanistic insights. Finally, we include a general table providing at first glance information about the nature of the external stimuli, conditions for self-healing and actuation, key information about the driving forces behind both phenomena, and the most important features of the achieved movement.

Water-Induced Self-Blown Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foams

For 80 years, polyisocyanates and polyols were central building blocks for the industrial fabrication of polyurethane (PU) foams. By their partial hydrolysis, isocyanates release CO₂ that expands the PU network. Substituting this toxic isocyanate-based chemistry by a more sustainable variant-that in situ forms CO₂ by hydrolysis of a comonomer-is urgently needed for producing greener cellular materials. Herein, we report a facile, up-scalable process, potentially compatible to existing infrastructures, to rapidly prepare water-induced self-blown non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams. We show that formulations composed of poly(cyclic carbonate)s and polyamines furnish rigid or flexible NIPU foams by partial hydrolysis of cyclic carbonates in the presence of a catalyst. By utilizing readily available low cost starting materials, this simple but robust process gives access to greener PU foams, expectedly responding to the sustainability demands of many sectors.

Thia-Michael Reaction: The Route to Promising Covalent Adaptable Networks

While the Michael addition has been employed for more than 130 years for the synthesis of a vast diversity of compounds, the reversibility of this reaction when heteronucleophiles are involved has been generally less considered. First applied to medicinal chemistry, the reversible character of the hetero-Michael reactions has recently been explored for the synthesis of Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs), in particular the thia-Michael reaction and more recently the aza-Michael reaction. In these cross-linked networks, exchange reactions take place between two Michael adducts by successive dissociation and association steps. In order to understand and precisely control the exchange in these CANs, it is necessary to get an insight into the critical parameters influencing the Michael addition and the dissociation rates of Michael adducts by reconsidering previous studies on these matters. This review presents the progress in the understanding of the thia-Michael reaction over the years as well as the latest developments and plausible future directions to prepare CANs based on this reaction. The potential of aza-Michael reaction for CANs application is highlighted in a specific section with comparison with thia-Michael-based CANs.

Spotting Trends in Organocatalyzed and Other Organomediated (De)polymerizations and Polymer Functionalizations

Organocatalysis has evolved into an effective complement to metal- or enzyme-based catalysis in polymerization, polymer functionalization, and depolymerization. The ease of removal and greater sustainability of organocatalysts relative to transition-metal-based ones has spurred development in specialty applications, e.g., medical devices, drug delivery, optoelectronics. Despite this, the use of organocatalysis and other organomediated reactions in polymer chemistry is still rapidly developing, and we envisage their rapidly growing application in nascent areas such as controlled radical polymerization, additive manufacturing, and chemical recycling in the coming years. In this Review, we describe ten trending areas where we anticipate paradigm shifts resulting from novel organocatalysts and other transition-metal-free conditions. We highlight opportunities and challenges and detail how new discoveries could lead to previously inaccessible functional materials and a potentially circular plastics economy.

Using Nanosphere Embedding to Probe the Surface and Bulk Relaxation in Vitrimers

The relaxation behavior of vitrimers that is dominated by chemical exchange reactions plays a critical role in vitrimer processing and applications such as self-healing, welding, and others involving the dynamic nature of the vitrimers. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to image embedding of gold nanospheres into epoxy-based vitrimers to assess the surface and bulk relaxation in this material. The results show that even at temperatures well below the bulk topology freezing transition temperature, the nanospheres embed into the vitrimers. The activation energy for the relaxation at the surface and in bulk were estimated in the single measurement, and the former is found to be much lower than the latter. The increase in the surface relaxation is attributed to a combination of an acceleration effect on relaxation by network defects and a decrease in the number of intermolecular exchanges at the surface.

Reprocessable and Recyclable Chain-Growth Polymer Networks Based on Dynamic Hindered Urea Bonds

Conventional cross-linked polymers cannot be reprocessed because of the presence of permanent covalent cross-links, preventing reuse and recycling. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) employ dynamic covalent bonds that undergo dynamic reactions under external stimulus, allowing recyclability of these network materials. Hindered urea chemistry is one of the recently discovered dissociative dynamic chemistries. While hindered urea bonds have traditionally been exploited in the synthesis of step-growth type CANs, the use of hindered urea bonds in the synthesis of chain-growth-type dynamic networks has only been narrowly explored. Here, we present a simple, catalyst-free, fast method to synthesize a hindered-urea-based dynamic cross-linker that can undergo a free radical polymerization with vinyl-type monomers or polymers to form reprocessable CANs. Using this cross-linker, we developed dynamic polymethacrylate networks that can be (re)processed at 80 °C. These dynamic covalent networks exhibit full recovery of cross-link density after multiple recycling steps; they are only the second chain-growth network synthesized directly and exclusively from carbon-carbon double bond monomers to demonstrate such recovery. Unlike other dissociative dynamic polymer networks, polymethacrylate networks that contain dissociative dynamic hindered urea bonds do not flow and maintain their network structure even at high temperature (300 °C). Despite its relatively fast reprocessability, the network showed delayed and extremely slow stress relaxation at the processing temperature. This work offers a simple approach to obtain reprocessable addition-type networks based on hindered urea bonds while revealing the limitations of stress relaxation experiments in relationship to the processability of some dynamic polymer networks.

Nanocomposites of Polyhydroxyurethane with POSS Microdomains: Synthesis via Non-Isocyanate Approach, Morphologies and Reprocessing Properties

In this contribution, we reported the synthesis of a novel trifunctional POSS cyclic carbonate [POSS-3(5CC)]. With a difunctional five-member cyclic carbonate and a trifunctional polyetheramine as the precursor, the nanocomposites of polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) with POSS were synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the nanocomposites of PHUs with POSS were microphase-separated; the spherical POSS microdomains via POSS-POSS interactions were generated with the size of 20~40 nm in diameter. After the introduction of POSS microdomains, the nanocomposites displayed improved thermal and mechanical properties. More importantly, the nanocomposites still displayed the reprocessing properties of vitrimers.

Divergent Aminolysis Approach for Constructing Recyclable Self-Blown Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Foams

We report an approach to fabricate self-blown nonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams by capitalizing on the divergent chemistries of amines with cyclic carbonates─creating the polymer network─and thiolactone─delivering in situ a thiol that generates the blowing agent (CO₂) by reaction with a cyclic carbonate. Multiple linkages (hydroxyurethanes, thioethers, and amides) are created within the polymer network by this domino process. This one-pot methodology furnishes flexible to rigid foams with open-cell morphology at moderate temperature. The foams are easily repurposed into films or structural composites by thermal treatment, showing the first example of recyclable NIPU foams. Remarkably, both the formation and the recycling of the thermoset foams do not necessarily require the use of a catalyst. This facile and robust process is opening new avenues for designing more sustainable PU foams and offers new end-of-life options by facile material repurposing.

Dynamic covalent polymers enabled by reversible isocyanate chemistry

Reversible isocyanate chemistry containing urethane, thiourethane, and urea bonds is valuable for designing dynamic covalent polymers to achieve promising applications in recycling, self-healing, shape morphing, 3D printing, and composites.

Catalyst-free transesterification vitrimers: activation via α -difluoroesters

Transesterification vitrimers often require high catalyst loadings to achieve 3D networks reprocessable at moderately high temperature. The addition of an activating group close to the ester bonds allows to synthesize...

Trends in non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) development

The transition towards safer and more sustainable production of polymers has led to a growing body of academic research into non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) as potential replacements for conventional, isocyanate-based polyurethane materials. This perspective article focuses on the opportunities and current limitations of NIPUs produced by the reaction between biobased cyclic carbonates with amines, which offers an interesting pathway to renewable NIPUs. While it was initially thought that due to the similarities in the chemical structure, NIPUs could be used to directly replace conventional polyurethanes (PU), this has proven to be more challenging to achieve in practice. As a result, and in spite of the vast amount of academic research into this topic, the market size of NIPUs remains negligible. In this perspective, we will emphasize the main limitations of NIPUs in comparison to conventional PUs and the most significant advances made by others and us to overcome these limitations. Finally, we provide our personal view of where research should be directed to promote the transition from the academic to the industrial sector.

Rationally Designed Eugenol-Based Chain Extender for Self-Healing Polyurethane Elastomers

Bio-based polyurethane (PU) has recently drawn our attention due to the increasing interest in sustainability and the risks involved with petroleum depletion. Herein, bio-based self-healing PU with a novel polyol, i.e., eugenol glycol dimer (EGD), was synthesized and characterized for the first time. EGD was designed to have pairs of primary, secondary, and aromatic alcohols, which all are able to be involved in urethane bond formation and to show self-healing and antioxidant effects. EGD was incorporated into a mixture of the prepolymer of polyol (tetramethylene ether glycol) and 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate to synthesize PU. EGD-PU showed excellent self-healing properties (99.84%), and it maintained its high self-healing property (84.71%) even after three repeated tests. This dramatic self-healing was induced through transcarbamoylation by the pendant hydroxyl groups of EGD-PU. The excellent antioxidant effect of EGD-PU was confirmed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl analysis. Eugenol-based EGD is a promising polyol chain extender that is required in the production of bio-based, self-healing, and recyclable polyurethane; therefore, EGD-PU can be applied to bio-based self-healable films or coating materials as a substitute for petroleum-based PU.

Sustainable Polyurethane Networks Based on Rosin with Reprocessing Performance

Rosin is an abundant natural product. In this paper, for the first time, a rosin derivative is employed as a monomer for the preparation of polyurethane vitrimers with improved properties. A novel rosin-based polyurethane vitrimers network was constructed by the reaction between isocyanates (HDI) as curing agent and monomers with alcohol groups modified from rosin. The dynamic rosin-based polyurethane vitrimers were characterized by FTIR and dynamic mechanical analysis. The obtained rosin-based polyurethane vitrimers possessed superior mechanical properties. Due to the dynamic urethane linkages, the network topologies of rosin-based polyurethane vitrimers could be altered, contributing self-healing and reprocessing abilities. Besides, we investigated the effects of healing time and temperature on the self-healing performance. Moreover, through a hot press, pulverized samples of 70%VPUOH could be reshaped several times, and the mechanical properties of the recycled samples were restored, with tensile strength being even higher than the of that of the original samples.

Dynamic Covalent Polyurethane Network Materials: Synthesis and Self-Healability

Polyurethane (PU) has not only been widely used in the daily lives, but also extensively explored as an important class of the essential polymers for various applications. In recent years, significant efforts have been made on the development of self-healable PU materials that possess high performance, extended lifetime, great reliability, and recyclability. A promising approach is the incorporation of covalent dynamic bonds into the design of PU covalently crosslinked polymers and thermoplastic elastomers that can dissociate and reform indefinitely in response to external stimuli or autonomously. This review summarizes various strategies to synthesize self-healable, reprocessable, and recyclable PU materials integrated with dynamic (reversible) Diels-Alder cycloadduct, disulfide, diselenide, imine, boronic ester, and hindered urea bond. Furthermore, various approaches utilizing the combination of dynamic covalent chemistries with nanofiller surface chemistries are described for the fabrication of dynamic heterogeneous PU composites.

Effect of the Crosslinking Degree on Self-Healing Poly(1,2,3-Triazolium) Adhesive

Dynamic covalent materials are a class of polymer that could be stress-relaxation, reprocessable, and self-healing due to dynamic crosslinks in network. Dynamic crosslinks play an important role in the typical characteristic of self-healing polymers. It is meaningful to understand the effect of crosslinking degree on the properties of poly(1,2,3-triazolium) (PTAM). In this article, the dynamic covalent network of PTAM adhesive has been used to study the effect of crosslinking degree. A series of PTAM adhesive with different crosslinking degrees have been obtained by changing the amount of crosslinker. Adhesion property can first rise then fall down with the increase of crosslinking degree and the best lap-shear strength is above 20 MPa. Creep resistance and solvent resistance can be enhanced with the increase of crosslinking degree. Self-healing studies have shown that crosslinking degree can enhance the ability of self-healing, but too high crosslinking degree raises the temperature of self-healing and causes side reaction which reduces the self-healing efficiency. These results provide some insights for the influence of the crosslinking degree on the self-healing and the structural design of dynamic covalent materials.