Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are a type of polymer material that closely resemble thermosetting polymers (thermosets). However, they are distinguished from thermosets by the incorporation of dynamic covalent chemistry into the polymer network. When a stimulus (for example heat, light, pH, ...) is applied to the material, these dynamic bonds become active and can be broken or exchanged with other pending functional groups, allowing the polymer network to change its topology. This introduces reshaping, (re)processing and recycling into thermoset-like materials. [1]
Historically, polymer materials have always been subdivided in two categories based on their thermomechanical behaviour. Thermoplastic polymer materials melt upon heating and become viscous liquids, whereas thermosetting polymer materials remain solid as a result of cross-linking. [2]
Thermoplastics consist of long polymer chains that are stiff at service temperatures but become softer with increasing temperature. At low temperatures, the molecular motion of the polymer chains is limited due to chain-entanglements, resulting in a hard and glassy material. Increasing the temperature will lead to a transition from a hard to a soft material at the glass transition temperature (Tg) yielding a visco-elastic liquid. [3] In the case of (semi-)crystalline polymer materials, viscous flow is achieved when the melting point (Tm) is reached and the intermolecular forces in the ordered crystalline domain are overcome. Thermoplastics regain their solid properties upon cooling and can thus be reshaped by polymer processing methods such as extrusion and injection moulding and they can also be recycled. [4] Examples of thermoplastic polymers are polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, nylon, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.
Thermosets, on the other hand, are three-dimensional networks that are formed through permanent chemical cross-linking of multifunctional compounds. This is an irreversible process that results in infusible and insoluble polymer networks with superior properties compared to most thermoplastics. When a thermoset is exposed to heat, it maintains its dimensional stability and thus cannot be reshaped. [5] These polymer materials are generally used for demanding applications (e.g. wind turbines, aerospace, etc.) that require chemical resistance, dimensional stability and good mechanical properties. Typical thermosetting materials include epoxy resins, polyester resins, polyurethanes, etc.
In the framework of sustainability, the combination of the mechanical properties of thermosets with the reprocessability of thermoplastics through the introduction of dynamic bonds has been the topic of numerous research studies. The use of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, pi-stacking or crystallization that lead to physical cross-links between polymer chains is one way of introducing dynamic cross-linking. The thermoreversible nature of the physical cross-links results in polymer materials with improved mechanical properties without losing reprocessability. The properties of these physical networks are highly dependent on the used backbone and type of non-covalent interactions, but typically they are brittle at low temperature and become elastic or rubbery above Tg. Upon further heating, the physical cross-links disappear and the material behaves as a visco-elastic liquid, allowing it to be reprocessed. These materials are also known as thermoplastic elastomers. [6]
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) instead use dynamic covalent bonds that are able to undergo exchange reactions upon application of an external stimulus, typically heat or light. In absence of a stimulus, these materials behave as thermosets, showing high chemical resistance and dimensional stability, but when the stimulus is applied, the dynamic bonds become activated, enabling the network to rearrange its topology on a molecular level. As a result, these materials are able to undergo permanent deformations, enabling reshaping, reprocessing, self-healing, etc. As such, CANs can be seen as an intermediate bridge between thermosets and thermoplastics. [1]
In 2011, the research group of French researcher Ludwik Leibler developed a specific class of CANs based on an associative exchange mechanism (see subsection Classification). By adding a suitable catalyst to epoxy/acid polyester based networks, they were able to prepare a permanent epoxy network that showed a gradual viscosity decrease upon heating. This type of behaviour is typical for vitreous silica and had never before been seen in organic polymer materials. Therefore, the authors introduced the name Vitrimers for these kind of materials. [7]
Recent advancements in the field of CANs have shown their potential to someday replace conventional non-recyclable thermosetting materials. The exponential growth of publications involving CANs seen in literature indicate the increasing interest from academia. Additionally, there's also a growing interest in CANs from industry with, for example, the first vitrimer start-up company Mallinda [8] and multiple European Union funded research projects with collaborations between academic and industry partners (such as Vitrimat, [9] PUReSmart [10] and NIPU-EJD [11] ).
CANs are currently subdivided in two groups, dissociative CANs and associative CANs, based on the underlying mechanism of the bond exchange reactions (i.e. the order in which the bond forming and breaking occurs) and their resulting temperature dependence. [12]
The exchange mechanism of dissociative CANs requires a bond-breaking event prior to the formation of a new bond (i.e. an elimination/addition pathway). [13] Upon application of a stimulus, the equilibrium shifts to the dissociated state, resulting in a temporarily decreased cross-link density in the network. When a sufficient amount of dynamic bonds dissociate due to the equilibrium being shifted below the gel point, the material will suffer a loss of dimensional stability and show a sudden and drastic viscosity decrease. After removal of the stimulus, the bonds reform and, in the ideal case, the original cross-link density is restored. This temporary decrease in cross-link density enables very fast topology rearrangements in dissociative CANs, such as viscous flow and stress relaxation, which allows the reprocessing of covalently cross-linked polymer networks. Additionally, dissociative CANs can be solubilized in good solvents. [1] [12] [13]
In contrast to dissociative CANs, networks in associative CANs do not depolymerize upon application of a stimulus and maintain a near constant cross-link density. Here, the exchange mechanism relies on the formation of a new bond before fragmentation of another bond (i.e. an addition/elimination pathway). [13] This means that bond exchange occurs via a temporarily more cross-linked intermediate state. However, in practice, this small increase will often be negligible, resulting in a practically constant cross-link density. As a result, associative CANs typically remain insoluble in inert solvents, even at elevated temperatures, although it has become apparent that some associative CANs can be dissolved in a good solvent. [14]
In the case of Vitrimers, associative exchange is triggered by heat and the viscosity of these materials is controlled by chemical exchange reactions, leading to a linear dependence of viscosity with inverse temperature according to the Arrhenius law. The decreased viscosity caused by rapid dynamic bond exchanges enables stress relaxation and network topology rearrangements in these materials. [1] [12]
Polyurethane (PU) foams are highly versatile engineering materials used for a wide range of applications such as mattresses, insulation, automotive, footwear and construction materials. [15] Conventional PU foams are cross-linked materials or thermosets. PU foams can either be mechanically recycled (where PU foams are grinded and used as fillers), or chemically recycled (where PU foams are downcycled into polyols or other monomeric components via chemical degradation). [16] [17] However, most PU foams end up on landfills.
Currently, CANs are being investigated as a replacement for conventional foams, which would allow for easier recyclability of PU waste. For example, it was shown recently that the incorporation of disulfide bonds in PU foams led to their malleability and reprocessability into elastomers. [18] Another possible solution is the addition of catalyst to post-consumer PU, which activates the exchange of urethane bonds and makes them reprocessable . [19]
Polymer networks are susceptible to damage during their use. Self-healing is a promising tool to increase the lifetime and performance of the polymer, while simultaneously reducing plastic waste.
Self-healing can operate via extrinsic or intrinsic mechanisms. Extrinsic systems rely on the incorporation of small capsules containing healing agents that get released during damage/cracking and heal the material, while intrinsic systems are inherently able to restore their integrity through, for example, incorporation of dynamic bonds into the polymer network. The most known example of intrinsic self-healing is thermally healable crosslinked networks with Diels-Alder adducts, [20] but various other chemistries have also been investigated, including transesterification, olefin metathesis, and alkoxyamine chemistry.
Another promising strategy involves light-activated systems, such as photothermal and photoreversible chemistry. For photothermal systems, the healing is triggered by heating, even if light is the transient stimulus that makes the healing possible. Dynamic exchange reactions are also often activated by direct infrared heating with the assistance of photothermal fillers (e.g. carbon black, graphene, and gold nanoparticles). Self-healing materials based on direct photoreversible chemistry in principle don't involve heating. Some examples of this include the systems based on photoreversible cycloaddition that require ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, as well as photo-triggered radical reshufflings of sulfur-based dynamic covalent bonds. [21]
Thermosets are currently in high demand for high-performance composites that are heavily needed in lightweight engineering and ultrahigh-performance mechanical parts. Applications include: packaging, remediation, energy storage, electromagnetic absorption, sensing and actuation, transportation and safety, defense systems, thermal flow control, information industry, catalysts, cosmetics, sports, etc. [22] Such materials consist of a “soft” polymer phase that is combined with nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer phase. The shape of these nanoparticles can vary wildly, from rods to spheres to platelets, to fibres, etc.
The unique thermo-responsive properties of CANs, induced by bond exchange kinetics, open interesting possibilities for the introduction of property switches based on various external effects. For example, the addition of a resistive heater for electrothermal conversion (e.g. single walled carbon nanotubes) can allow for an on-demand mechanical property switch via an electric current. [23] Alternatively, by adding a filler like graphene oxide, light irradiation can be used for an induced photo-thermal effect allowing for switching of the mechanical properties as a response to light-irradiation. [24] Other interesting nanoparticles for the application in CANs include clay nanosheets, [24] [25] [26] graphene [27] and cellulose. [28]
In recent years, 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), saw rapid developments as the technique became more and more popular. Currently, plastics are the most common raw material used for 3D printing due to their wide availability, diversity and light weight. The versatility of AM and its significant development resulted in its use for many applications ranging from manufacturing and medical sectors to the custom art and design sector. With the market of 3D printing expected to grow even further in the coming years, the use of CANs as a resource for AM is under investigation as a replacement for traditional thermosets, which could make up 22% of the global market for AM by the end of 2029. [29]
By replacing traditional thermoset ink with CAN-based inks, complicated 3D geometries can still be printed that behave like traditional thermosets with excellent mechanical properties at service conditions, but can later also be recycled into new ink for the next round of 3D printing. One example involved the 3D printing of an epoxy ink which is able to undergo transesterification reactions after printing. [30] During the printing cycle, the ink is first slightly cured before being printed at high temperature into the desired 3D structure, and followed by a second curing step in an oven after printing. The printed epoxy parts can then be recycled by dissolving in ethylene glycol at high temperature and reused as ink in a new printing cycle.
Various dynamic chemistries have already been incorporated in CANs; some of the more notable ones include transesterification, Diels-Alder exchange, imine metathesis, disulfide exchange, transamination of vinylogous urethanes, transcarbamoylation of urethanes, olefin metathesis, and trans-N-alkylation of 1,2,3-triazolium salts. [31]
A polymer is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules called macromolecules, composed of many repeating subunits. Due to their broad spectrum of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles in everyday life. Polymers range from familiar synthetic plastics such as polystyrene to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are fundamental to biological structure and function. Polymers, both natural and synthetic, are created via polymerization of many small molecules, known as monomers. Their consequently large molecular mass, relative to small molecule compounds, produces unique physical properties including toughness, high elasticity, viscoelasticity, and a tendency to form amorphous and semicrystalline structures rather than crystals.
Polyurethane refers to a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethane is produced from a wide range of starting materials. This chemical variety produces polyurethanes with different chemical structures leading to many different applications. These include rigid and flexible foams, and coatings, adhesives, electrical potting compounds, and fibers such as spandex and polyurethane laminate (PUL). Foams are the largest application accounting for 67% of all polyurethane produced in 2016.
In chemistry, a disulfide is a compound containing a R−S−S−R′ functional group or the S2−
2 anion. The linkage is also called an SS-bond or sometimes a disulfide bridge and usually derived from two thiol groups.
Epoxy is the family of basic components or cured end products of epoxy resins. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The epoxide functional group is also collectively called epoxy. The IUPAC name for an epoxide group is an oxirane.
In materials science, a thermosetting polymer, often called a thermoset, is a polymer that is obtained by irreversibly hardening ("curing") a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer (resin). Curing is induced by heat or suitable radiation and may be promoted by high pressure or mixing with a catalyst. Heat is not necessarily applied externally, and is often generated by the reaction of the resin with a curing agent. Curing results in chemical reactions that create extensive cross-linking between polymer chains to produce an infusible and insoluble polymer network.
Phenol formaldehyde resins (PF) are synthetic polymers obtained by the reaction of phenol or substituted phenol with formaldehyde. Used as the basis for Bakelite, PFs were the first commercial synthetic resins (plastics). They have been widely used for the production of molded products including billiard balls, laboratory countertops, and as coatings and adhesives. They were at one time the primary material used for the production of circuit boards but have been largely replaced with epoxy resins and fiberglass cloth, as with fire-resistant FR-4 circuit board materials.
In chemistry and biology a cross-link is a bond or a short sequence of bonds that links one polymer chain to another. These links may take the form of covalent bonds or ionic bonds and the polymers can be either synthetic polymers or natural polymers.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers that consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
Self-healing materials are artificial or synthetically created substances that have the built-in ability to automatically repair damages to themselves without any external diagnosis of the problem or human intervention. Generally, materials will degrade over time due to fatigue, environmental conditions, or damage incurred during operation. Cracks and other types of damage on a microscopic level have been shown to change thermal, electrical, and acoustical properties of materials, and the propagation of cracks can lead to eventual failure of the material. In general, cracks are hard to detect at an early stage, and manual intervention is required for periodic inspections and repairs. In contrast, self-healing materials counter degradation through the initiation of a repair mechanism that responds to the micro-damage. Some self-healing materials are classed as smart structures, and can adapt to various environmental conditions according to their sensing and actuation properties.
A blowing agent is a substance which is capable of producing a cellular structure via a foaming process in a variety of materials that undergo hardening or phase transition, such as polymers, plastics, and metals. They are typically applied when the blown material is in a liquid stage. The cellular structure in a matrix reduces density, increasing thermal and acoustic insulation, while increasing relative stiffness of the original polymer.
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state to their original (permanent) shape when induced by an external stimulus (trigger), such as temperature change.
In polymer chemistry and materials science, the term "polymer" refers to large molecules whose structure is composed of multiple repeating units. Supramolecular polymers are a new category of polymers that can potentially be used for material applications beyond the limits of conventional polymers. By definition, supramolecular polymers are polymeric arrays of monomeric units that are connected by reversible and highly directional secondary interactions–that is, non-covalent bonds. These non-covalent interactions include van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, Coulomb or ionic interactions, π-π stacking, metal coordination, halogen bonding, chalcogen bonding, and host–guest interaction. The direction and strength of the interactions are precisely tuned so that the array of molecules behaves as a polymer in dilute and concentrated solution, as well as in the bulk.
Polymer engineering is generally an engineering field that designs, analyses, and modifies polymer materials. Polymer engineering covers aspects of the petrochemical industry, polymerization, structure and characterization of polymers, properties of polymers, compounding and processing of polymers and description of major polymers, structure property relations and applications.
Electron-beam processing or electron irradiation (EBI) is a process that involves using electrons, usually of high energy, to treat an object for a variety of purposes. This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. Possible uses for electron irradiation include sterilization, alteration of gemstone colors, and cross-linking of polymers.
A thermoset polymer matrix is a synthetic polymer reinforcement where polymers act as binder or matrix to secure in place incorporated particulates, fibres or other reinforcements. They were first developed for structural applications, such as glass-reinforced plastic radar domes on aircraft and graphite-epoxy payload bay doors on the Space Shuttle.
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to its widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives.
Electronic skin refers to flexible, stretchable and self-healing electronics that are able to mimic functionalities of human or animal skin. The broad class of materials often contain sensing abilities that are intended to reproduce the capabilities of human skin to respond to environmental factors such as changes in heat and pressure.
Vitrimers are a class of plastics, which are derived from thermosetting polymers (thermosets) and are very similar to them. Vitrimers consist of molecular, covalent networks, which can change their topology by thermally activated bond-exchange reactions. At high temperatures they can flow like viscoelastic liquids, at low temperatures the bond-exchange reactions are immeasurably slow (frozen) and the Vitrimers behave like classical thermosets at this point. Vitrimers are strong glass formers. Their behavior opens new possibilities in the application of thermosets like as a self-healing material or simple processibility in a wide temperature range.
In materials science, a polymer matrix composite (PMC) is a composite material composed of a variety of short or continuous fibers bound together by a matrix of organic polymers. PMCs are designed to transfer loads between fibers of a matrix. Some of the advantages with PMCs include their light weight, high resistance to abrasion and corrosion, and high stiffness and strength along the direction of their reinforcements.
Polyimines are classified as polymer materials that contain imine groups, which are characterised by a double bond between a carbon and nitrogen atom. The term polyimine can also be found occasionally in covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In (older) literature, polyimines are sometimes also referred to as poly(azomethine) or polyschiff.