Sustainable Polymer Designs via Robust Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
In this talk, I will present our latest advancements in developing sustainable polymers that are not only strong and self-healing but also malleable and recyclable, utilizing robust dynamic covalent chemistry. Our overarching goal is to establish a universal strategy for designing sustainable polymeric materials by integrating the best properties of both thermoplastics (reprocessability and recyclability) and thermosets (mechanical strength, resistance to creep, and solvent resistance). Our research has particularly focused on creating dynamic covalent interactions that result in thermosets with exceptional mechanical strength, high malleability, and full reprocessability and recyclability. Recently, we've developed a universal compatibilization strategy applicable to recycling mixed plastic waste. In this presentation, I will highlight our progress, particularly our work on sustainable thermosets employing carbon-carbon double bonds, boron-oxygen (B–O), silyl ether (Si–O–C), and siloxane (Si–O–Si) exchange reactions. The successful demonstration of robust, malleable, and recyclable thermosets could significantly impact new material development, plastic recycling, sustainability, and modern technologies, including additive manufacturing.