Taking dynamic covalent chemistry out of the lab and into reprocessable industrial thermosets

Abstract

Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) allows the development of thermally (re)processable and recyclable polymer networks, which is a highly attractive feature for new generations of thermoset materials. However, despite a surge in academic interest wherein soon almost any imaginable DCC platform may have been applied in a thermoset formulation, dynamic or reversible covalent polymer networks have so far found only few industrial applications. This Review provides a perspective on the main strategies for the application of DCC in the design and development of bulk thermoset materials, and it presents some of the key hurdles for their industrial implementation. The polymer design strategies and associated chemistries are viewed from the perspective of how ‘close to market’ their development pathway is, thus providing a roadmap to achieve high-volume breakthrough applications. Ever-increasing society needs have made thermosets crucial, but their recycling poses considerable challenges. Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) offers a solution, and industry is ready for its implementation. On the basis of market proximity, three DCC-based strategies are proposed for stimulating industrial uptake of DCC-thermosets.