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 relaxation occurs through an associative process involving nudeophilic addition of free hydroxyl groups to the carbamate linkages and exhibits an Arrhenius activation energy of 111 +/- 10 kJ/mol, which is lower than that observed for molecular model compounds (148 +/- 7 kJ/mol). These findings suggest that transcarbamoylation is activated by mechanical stress, which we attribute, on the basis of DFT calculations, to the twisting of N lone pairs out of conjugation with the carbonyl pi orbitals. PHU vitrimers are a promising new class of repairable networks because of their outstanding mechanical properties, avoidance of toxic isocyanate monomers, and catalyst-free repair processes.
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 relaxation occurs through an associative process involving nudeophilic addition of free hydroxyl groups to the carbamate linkages and exhibits an Arrhenius activation energy of 111 +/- 10 kJ/mol, which is lower than that observed for molecular model compounds (148 +/- 7 kJ/mol). These findings suggest that transcarbamoylation is activated by mechanical stress, which we attribute, on the basis of DFT calculations, to the twisting of N lone pairs out of conjugation with the carbonyl pi orbitals. PHU vitrimers are a promising new class of repairable networks because of their outstanding mechanical properties, avoidance of toxic isocyanate monomers, and catalyst-free repair processes.
Antimicrobial guanidinium and thiouronium functionalized polymers
申请人:International Business Machines Corporation
公开号:US10980234B2
公开(公告)日:2021-04-20
Antimicrobial cationic polycarbonates and polyurethanes have been prepared comprising one or more pendent guanidinium and/or isothiouronium groups. Additionally, antimicrobial particles were prepared having a silica core linked to surface groups comprising a guanidinium and/or isothiouronium group. The cationic polymers and cationic particles can be potent antimicrobial agents against Gram-negative microbes, Gram-positive microbes, and/or fungi.