Sustainable Polymer Network Designs Using Robust Dynamic Covalent Bonds

This presentation will discuss our recent progress in developing sustainable thermoset polymers that are strong, self-healing, malleable, and recyclable by using robust while dynamic boron-oxygen (B–O) and silyl ether (Si–O) bonds. Our goal for this project is to develop a robust and universal strategy for the design of sustainable polymeric materials. Specifically, we aim to combine the excellent attributes of both thermoplastics (reprocessability, recyclability) and thermosets (mechanical strength, creep and solvent resistances) through robust dynamic covalent chemistry. We have particularly focused on developing robust dynamic covalent interactions that can lead to thermosets that are mechanically strong, highly malleable, and fully reprocessable and recyclable. In this talk, I will summarize our recent progress of this project with specific focus on our investigation of sustainable thermosets using boron-oxygen (B–O), silyl ether (Si–O–C), and siloxane (Si–O–Si) exchange reactions. Successful demonstration of robust, malleable, and reprocessable/recyclable thermosets will have major impact on new materials development, polymer recycling and sustainability, and modern technologies including additive manufacturing.