Complementary Dynamic Chemistries for Multifunctional Polymeric Materials

Abstract

Dynamic materials (DMs) or dynamers have potential applications across a broad range of material science challenges. These applications include sustainable materials as a part of the circular plastics economy, advanced materials with tailored high stress properties and biomedical agents. DMs are comprised of polymers that crosslinked through reversible covalent and noncovalent linking groups. This group provides reversible bonds, which impart properties such as (re)healing, adaptability, toughness into a material. The nature of the linker dictates the dynamer's stability and dynamic properties, although for many applications one linker alone cannot give materials with complex multiresponsive functions. The combination of multiple dynamic linkers can introduce complementary functionalities into a single material. This combination of linkers enhances the collective material properties by matching their strengths and offsetting the weaknesses, or by selecting linkers for specific functions, such as one linker for rapid exchange and the other to respond to external stimuli. This contribution highlights the possibilities and unique features of materials containing multiple dynamic linkers, reviewing both fundamental discoveries of materials possessing multiple dynamic bonds and applications facilitated by the presence of multiple linking group chemistry.

From the Design of Multifunctional Degradable Epoxy Thermosets to Their End of Life

“…Designing smart and multifunctional-dedicated epoxy thermosets that meet the requirements of the circular economy, i.e., to be durable, reusable, and recyclable, is an urgent need. − Scientists must thus propose through a “functional materials by design” approach the development of molecular brick platforms to integrate the polymer matrices and afford the networks of target functions. − …”

High-strength, high-toughness, self-healing thermosetting shape memory polyurethane enabled by dual dynamic covalent bonds

“…In addition to the single dynamic bonds, multiple dynamic bonds have also attracted the attention of many researchers because of their unanticipated properties. [28][29][30] Lee 31 introduced a synthetic chain extender containing dual dynamic covalent bonds into PU, which endowed the PU with self-healing and recyclable properties. Konkolewicz 32 et al first systematically studied the effect of three kinds of dynamic covalent bonds (β-hydroxyl ester, Schiff base, and disulfide bonds) on the structure of material networks.…”

“…In addition to the single dynamic bonds, multiple dynamic bonds have also attracted the attention of many researchers because of their unanticipated properties. 28–30 Lee 31 introduced a synthetic chain extender containing dual dynamic covalent bonds into PU, which endowed the PU with self-healing and recyclable properties. Konkolewicz 32 et al .…”

Interpenetrated triple network polymers: synergies of three different dynamic bonds

“…Nevertheless, these chemistries have been employed individually or as pairs to design SNs and IPNs including DNs and TNs to attain excellent mechanical properties. [39][40][41][42] This study develops a novel triple network elastomer using a combination of dynamic covalent (Diels-Alder and boronate ester) and non-covalent (H-bonds) bonds to improve the mechanical robustness and dynamic characters of the materials. Polymers with pendant 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone acrylate (UPyA), furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) and glyceryl acrylate (GA) were synthesized, combined, and finally crosslinked to acquire TNs with an orthogonal dynamic linker in each network (Scheme 2).…”

“…Nevertheless, these chemistries have been employed individually or as pairs to design SNs and IPNs including DNs and TNs to attain excellent mechanical properties. 39–42…”