Circularizing Squarate-Based Materials: Novel Dynamic Networks

非技术总结该项目旨在开发下一波可持续聚合物，将可持续性与材料耐用性和实用性相结合。一个中心目标是克服目前聚合物科学中的二分法，其中可回收和可再加工的材料往往缺乏稳定性，而更坚固的材料由于其长期的环境持久性而导致负面后果。通过创新的设计和精确的分子操作，该项目旨在开发聚合物，提供长期可用性和固有的可修复性，同时保持其坚固的性质和耐溶剂性和高温。该研究将探索未充分利用的化学部分的关键分子参数，这些化学部分将控制聚合物的生命周期-从合成到降解-平衡加工性能。该项目的成功将导致材料需要更少的更换频率，从而减少浪费和促进可持续性。该项目的关键组成部分涉及教育和推广活动，针对当地学生的各级，以及培训和专业发展的研究生和本科生在新兴领域的化学和聚合物science.Technical总结研究重点放在四个具体目标，共同寻求扩大共价适应性材料（CAN）的能力。目的1研究使用侧链方酸酯作为CAN的新的动态交换机制，以改善用于玻璃化物材料的无催化剂交换化学的多样性。目的2将探讨侧基方酰胺对超分子聚合物网络的影响，旨在了解方酰胺如何有助于网络性能和响应行为。Aim 3中的工作将联合收割机方酰胺和乙烯基氨基甲酸酯交换结合起来，以产生既具有动态共价性又具有超分子性的材料，旨在说明可以通过简单方法获得的增强性能。目的4旨在通过逐步增长缩聚开发一种新的动态交换方法，旨在为CAN引入独特的交换化学。该研究采用了一套全面的分子操作，旨在阐明基本的结构-性质关系。该方法的模块化提供了一个可行的平台，用于了解链结构，拓扑结构和功能的作用，在动态行为的缔合交联聚合物。这项研究的科学影响更广泛，通过设计具有更长寿命和可回收性的聚合物，有助于可持续发展。这项工作将动态网络的好处扩展到新的交换机制，为可持续材料提供了另一条途径。教育目标包括将该项目作为下一代科学家的培训基地。学生将获得各种合成和材料表征方法的专业知识，对聚合物科学的当代和基础方面有一个平衡的理解。一个多管齐下的外展计划旨在促进兴奋和扩大参与科学。该计划包括研究经验，重点是代表性不足的少数民族。通过将科学研究与教育和推广活动相结合，该项目旨在为聚合物科学领域做出重大贡献，同时满足更广泛的社会需求。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为是值得通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis project seeks to develop the next wave of sustainable polymers, merging sustainability with material durability and practicality. A central objective is to overcome the current dichotomy within polymer science wherein recyclable and reprocessable materials often lack stability, while more robust ones lead to negative consequences because of their long-term environmental persistence. Through innovative design and precise molecular manipulation, this project aims to develop polymers that offer both long-term usability and innate reparability while maintaining their robust nature and resistance to solvents and high temperatures. The research will explore the critical molecular parameters of an underutilized chemical moiety that will govern polymer lifecycle—from synthesis to degradation—balancing processability with performance. The success of this project will lead to materials that require less frequent replacement, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Critical components of this project involve educational and outreach activities directed toward local students of all levels, as well as training and professional development of graduate and undergraduate students in emerging areas of chemistry and polymer science.TECHNICAL SUMMARYThe research focuses on four specific aims that collectively seek to expand the capabilities of covalent adaptable materials (CANs). Aim 1 investigates using pendent squarate esters as a novel dynamic exchange mechanism for CANs to improve the diversity of catalyst-free exchange chemistries for vitrimer materials. Aim 2 will explore the influence of pendent group squaramides on supramolecular polymer networks, aiming to understand how squaramides contribute to network properties and responsive behavior. The work in Aim 3 will combine squaramide and vinylogous urethane exchange to generate materials that are both dynamic-covalent and supramolecular, aiming to illustrate the enhanced properties that can be attained through straightforward methods. Aim 4 seeks to develop a new dynamic exchange approach through step-growth polycondensation, aiming to introduce unique exchange chemistry for CANs. The research employs a comprehensive set of molecular manipulations designed to elucidate fundamental structure-property relationships. The modularity of the approach provides a viable platform for understanding the roles of chain structure, topology, and functionality in the dynamic behavior of associatively crosslinked polymers. The scientific broader impacts of this research contribute to sustainability by designing polymers with longer life spans and recyclability. The work extends the benefits of dynamic networks to new exchange mechanisms, offering an alternative route to sustainable materials. The educational goals include this project serving as a training ground for the next generation of scientists. Students will acquire expertise in various synthetic and materials characterization methods, gaining a balanced understanding of both contemporary and foundational aspects of polymer science. A multi-pronged outreach program aims to foster excitement and broaden participation in science. The program includes research experiences with a focus on underrepresented minorities. By integrating scientific research with educational and outreach activities, the project aims to make a significant contribution to the field of polymer science while also addressing broader societal needs..This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.