Spiroborate-Linked Ionic Covalent Adaptable Networks with Rapid Reprocessability and Closed-Loop Recyclability

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00774
• Publication Date: 2023-04-14T17:56:10Z
• Authors: Hongxuan Chen; Yiming Hu; Chaoqian Luo; Zepeng Lei; Shaofeng Huang; Jingyi Wu; Yinghua Jin; Kai Yu; Wei Zhang
• Keywords: Thermosetting polymer; Ionomer

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) represent a novel class of polymeric materials crosslinked by dynamic covalent bonds. Since their first discovery, CANs have attracted great attention due to high mechanical strength and stability like conventional thermosets under service conditions easy reprocessability thermoplastics certain external stimuli. Here, we report the example ionic (ICANs), type ionomers, consisting negatively charged backbone structures. More specifically, two ICANs with different compositions were prepared through spiroborate chemistry. Given nature linkages, resulting ionomer display rapid closed-loop recyclability mild conditions. The mechanically broken into smaller pieces can be reprocessed coherent solids at 120 °C within only 1 min nearly 100% recovery properties. Upon treating dilute hydrochloric acid room temperature, valuable monomers easily chemically recycled in almost quantitative yield. This work demonstrates potential bonds as linkage for development new reprocessable recyclable thermosets.