Highly tunable, catalyst-free dynamic covalent bonds and their incorporation into networks

Dynamic covalent networks (DCNs) are polymeric networks that incorporate dynamic chemistries as bonding motifs to enable the formation of a functional, responsive systems. While a range of dynamic chemistries (transesterification, Diels-Alder, disulfide, etc) have been utilized in the synthesis of DCNs, the use of external catalysts or high processing temperatures limit the potential application scope of these materials systems. Recently, the reversible (and low temperature) thia-Michael reaction has received growing interest from researchers as a potential dynamic bond for application in polymeric materials. In this presentation, benzalcyanoacetate/acetamide Michael acceptors are discussed as promising catalyst-free, room temperature dynamic bonds for bulk polymeric materials. Their electronic tunability, phase separation characteristics, and application in a variety of polymeric systems (tunable networks, adhesives, and particle suspensions) are highlighted.