Mechanically Activated, Catalyst-Free Polyhydroxyurethane Vitrimers

Vitrimers are polymer networks whose cross-links undergo associative exchange processes at elevated temperature, usually in the presence of an embedded catalyst. This design feature enables the reshaping of materials with mechanical properties similar to thermoset resins. Here we report a new class of vitrimers consisting of polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) derived from six-membered cyclic carbonates and amines. PHU networks relax stress and may be reprocessed at elevated temperature and pressure in the absence of an external catalyst. The as-synthesized networks exhibit tensile properties comparable to those of leading thermosets and recover ca. 75% of their as-synthesized values following reprocessing. Stress…

• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Award: DMR-1120296
• DO
  Division of Chemistry

  Award: CHE-1413862