Synthesis and Application of Thermally Reversible Polymeric Networks from Vegetable Oils

In our modern life, thermosetting polymers can be found everywhere, from tableware to building materials, from furniture to jewelries, and from household electronics to airplane parts. Thermosetting polymers are light weight and possess excellent mechanical strength, thermal, and chemical resistance. These properties are the result of the molecular architecture of the polymeric network, which is typically a 3-dimensional structure with strong connections (cross-links). A major disadvantage of the materials is the difficulty to reprocess and recycle without loss of the desired properties. Furthermore, most thermosets are produced from petroleum resources, of which the use is under pressure.
The main goals of this research were to synthesize recyclable thermosets from green sources such as vegetable oils. In order to make the materials recyclable, it was decided to develop a method that allows breakup of the cross-links without irreversible degradation of the material. In chemical terminology, we've made the cross-links with a reaction that is reversible in nature. A thermally reversible Diels-Alder reaction was used for this. Specifically, this means that the cross-links break at an elevated temperature, so that the material can be reprocessed.
The research has shown that this approach is successful and that thermally reversible networks can be made from renewable sources. In addition, we have identified a number of attractive application areas for these new materials.