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Problem

Polymers with covalent cross-links form robust materials that have ideal material properties for many diverse applications. However, these materials are inherently limited by stresses that are introduced by post-gelation volume changes during polymerization. It is also difficult to change a cross-linked polymer's shape without a corresponding loss of material properties or substantial stress development. As a result, these materials cannot generally be reshaped or remolded, which severely limits their recyclability or post-polymerization application.

Solution

Prof. Christopher Bowman’s group has designed a novel thioester monomer system that can be seamlessly incorporated into existing polymerization procedures. These polymeric materials retain certain useful properties of crosslinked networks, yet thiol-thioester exchange reactions give way to extremely rapid, room temperature plasticity under ambient conditions offering a route towards recycling and remolding. Within these networks the exchange was found to be robust, selective, and the material remained of optical quality after recycling and remolding.

Market Application

Crosslinked polymers are ubiquitous in everyday consumer materials, and are components in optical materials, adhesives, coatings, stereolithographic 3D printed materials, hydrogels, dental restorative materials, etc.

Note: Prof. Christopher Bowman's lab is the recipient of the State of Colorado's Advanced Industries Proof-of-Concept funding to help futher develop commercial applications of this technology.