A Strong and Rigid Coordination Adaptable Network that Can Be Reprocessed and Recycled at Mild Conditions
Published in CCS Chemistry, 2022
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) show thermoset-like behavior yet can be reprocessed, recycled, and healed. Most reported CANs, however, face a trade-off between mechanical strength and reversible properties, and often show performance reduction after reprocessing. We designed and synthesized a coordination adaptable network (CoAN) by crosslinking low-molecular-weight monomers with abundant coordination bonds. The material displays high mechanical rigidity at ambient conditions yet low viscosity at elevated temperature, enabling rapid reprocessing and recycling at mild conditions without any reduction in mechanical properties. DFT calculations revealed that free thiol ligands play a key role in reducing the activation energy for bond exchange. When used as binders for composites, embedded carbon fibers could be recycled while maintaining their original microstructure.
Recommended citation: Wen Li, Hong-Qin Wang, Wen-Tong Gao, et al., Cheng-Hui Li. (2022). "A Strong and Rigid Coordination Adaptable Network that Can Be Reprocessed and Recycled at Mild Conditions." CCS Chemistry.
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