Work

Poly(carboxypyrrole)s That Depolymerize from Head to Tail in the Solid State in Response to Specific Applied Signals

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: This Article describes the design, synthesis, and analysis of a new class of polymer that is capable of depolymerizing continuously, completely, and cleanly from head to tail when a detection unit on the head of the polymer is exposed to a specific applied signal. The backbone of this polymer consists of 1,3-disubstituted pyrroles and carboxy linkages similar to polyurethanes. Diverse side chains or reactive end-groups can be introduced readily, which provides modular design of polymer structure. The designed depolymerization mechanism proceeds through spontaneous release of carbon dioxide and azafulvene in response to a single triggering reaction with the detection unit. These poly(carboxypyrrole)s depolymerize readily in nonpolar environments, and even in the bulk as solid-state plastics.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c02774

Authors: Hyungwoo Kim, Adam D. Brooks, Anthony M. DiLauro, Scott T. Phillips

Institutions: Chonnam National University, Boise State University

Language: English

Topic: Polymer composites and self-healing

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000

Funder: Army Research Office