Strong and Tough Supramolecular Covalent Adaptable Networks with Room‐Temperature Closed‐Loop Recyclability. Issue 7 (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhuoqiang; Lei, Dong; Zhang, Chenxuan; Wang, Zhenyu; Jin, Yinghua; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Xiaokong; Sun, Junqi
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 35:Issue 7(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: closed‐loop recyclability -- covalent adaptable networks -- hydrogen bonds -- mechanical properties -- supramolecular polymers; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Development of closed‐loop chemically recyclable plastics (CCRPs) that can be widely used in daily life can be a fundamental solution to the global plastic waste crisis. Hence, it is of great significance to develop easy‐to‐recycle CCRPs that possess superior or comparable material properties to the commodity plastics. Here, a novel dual crosslinked CCRP, namely, supramolecular covalent adaptable networks (supra‐CANs), is reported, which not only displays mechanical properties higher than the strong and tough commodity polycarbonate, but also exhibits excellent solvent resistance as thermosets. The supra‐CANs are constructed by introducing reversible noncovalent crosslinks into the dynamic covalent polymer networks, resulting in highly stiff and strong thermosets that also exhibit thermoplastic‐like ductile and tough behaviors as well as reprocessability and rehealability. In great contrast, the analogs that do not have noncovalent crosslinks (CANs) show elastomeric properties with significantly decreased mechanical strength. Importantly, the developed supra‐CANs and CANs can be converted back into the initial monomers in high yields and purity at room temperature, even with additives, which enables the sustainable polymer‐monomer‐polymer circulation. This work provides new design principles for high‐performance chemically recyclable polymers as sustainable substitutes for the conventional plastics. Abstract : Supramolecular covalent adaptable networks (supra‐CANs) with room‐temperature closed‐loop recyclability are constructed by introducing reversible noncovalent crosslinks into the dynamic covalent polymer networks, resulting in strong and stiff thermosets that also exhibit thermoplastic‐like ductility and toughness, as well as reprocessability and rehealability. The mechanical properties of the supra‐CANs are superior to those of strong and tough commodity polycarbonate.