Manipulating Inverse Vulcanization Comonomers to Generate High-Tensile-Strain Polymers

Abstract

The buildup of waste sulfur poses issues of storage and usage that may be prevented by the development of highsulfur-content functional materials. Inverse vulcanization allows for the generation of such materials with varying properties and applications. Previous research has largely considered alkene-based monomers, although research into alkyl monomers may enlighten this complex process. Revisiting old monomers is therefore prudent to assist in this investigation. Exerting reaction control over how the alkenes in β-myrcene react with sulfur allows for the preparation of different polymeric products. These products�linear, branched, and cross-linked�demonstrate different properties including a tensile strain of 1878%.

Step‐growth Polymerization of Aziridines with Elemental Sulfur: Easy Access to Linear Polysulfides and Their Use as Recyclable Adhesives

“…[13] This control greatly affects the physical properties of these polymers and consequently affects their diverse applications. [14] Second, the choice of comonomers is mostly limited to vinyl compounds, [15] and incorporating functional groups into polysulfides typically requires tediously prepared functional alkynes. [16] Third, the reaction typically requires high temperatures (� 159 °C) for molten sulfur formation and radical polymerization.…”

“…First, this process offers limited control over the polymer structure, particularly with respect to the polymer architecture and stereochemistry of the C−S bonds [13] . This control greatly affects the physical properties of these polymers and consequently affects their diverse applications [14] . Second, the choice of comonomers is mostly limited to vinyl compounds, [15] and incorporating functional groups into polysulfides typically requires tediously prepared functional alkynes [16] .…”

Upcycling mixed-material waste with elemental sulfur: applications to plant oil, unseparated biomass, and raw post-consumer food waste

“…Despite the significant differences between these industries and their wastes, there is a powerful strategy to upcycle these wastes into valuable and useful products – conversion to high sulfur-content materials (HSMs, Scheme 1). 3–13…”

Aziridine-Derived Polysulfide Elastomers for Self-Healable, Strong, and Reusable Adhesives

“…Guo et al cross-linked diene rubbers using an inverse vulcanized copolymer of sulfur and styrene, exhibiting a tensile strength of 2.1–2.4 MPa and a breaking strain of 200–600% . Another significant strategy involves appropriate monomer design to enhance the organic comonomer functionality and cross-linking density. − For example, Fukuda and Kanbara synthesized an elastic material through the inverse vulcanization of algal oils and plant-based short-chain monoterpene compounds, achieving 430% elongation and 0.13 MPa tensile strength. , Given the limited availability of functionalized vinyl monomers suitable for inverse vulcanization, improving mechanical properties through monomer design, without resorting to tedious synthetic approaches, remains a big challenge.…”