Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs): A Unique Paradigm in Crosslinked Polymers

By Christopher J. Kloxin, T. F. Scott, Brian J. Adzima, C. Bowman. Macromolecules, 2010

926 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Polymer networks possessing reversible covalent crosslinks constitute a novel material class with the capacity for adapting to an externally applied stimulus. These covalent adaptable networks (CANs) represent a trend in polymer network fabrication towards the rational design of structural materials possessing dynamic characteristics for specialty applications. Herein, we discuss the unique attributes of CANs that must be considered when designing, fabricating, and characterizing these smart materials that respond to either thermal or photochemical stimuli. While there are many reversible reactions which to consider as possible crosslink candidates in CANs, there are very few that are readily and repeatedly reversible. Furthermore, characterization of the mechanical properties of CANs requires special consideration owing to their unique attributes. Ultimately, these attributes are what lead to the advantageous properties displayed by CANs, such as recyclability, healability, tunability, shape changes, and low polymerization stress. Throughout this perspective, we identify several trends and future directions in the emerging field of CANs that demonstrate the progress to date as well as the essential elements that are needed for further advancement.

Subfields: Biomaterials, Organic Chemistry, Polymers and Plastics

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0a3de6509fd4ae10abd8e0840d8c32acccbd6992

How researchers see this paper

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In Biomaterials

1. Kai Yu
2. M. Meador
3. R. Wojtecki
4. S. Rowan

In Organic Chemistry

1. C. Bowman
2. N. Cramer
3. H. Jerry Qi
4. J. Stansbury
5. Kai Yu
6. Martin L. Dunn
7. S. Rowan
8. Philip Taynton

In Polymers and Plastics

1. H. Jerry Qi
2. Martin L. Dunn
3. Kai Yu
4. S. Rowan
5. Philip Taynton
6. M. Meador
7. R. Wojtecki
8. C. Bowman

Citations in the corpus

• Using the dynamic bond to access macroscopically responsive structurally dynamic polymers. (2011, background): “, and a covalent adaptable network that on addition of extra monomer can reorganize to increase the mesh size of the networ”