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Reprocessable and Recyclable Crosslinked Polyethylene with Triple Shape Memory Effect
Author(s) -
Ji Fance,
Liu Xiangdong,
Lin Changhong,
Zhou Yan,
Dong Li,
Xu Shaobin,
Sheng Dekun,
Yang Yuming
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201800528
Subject(s) - thermosetting polymer , materials science , covalent bond , high density polyethylene , epoxy , polyethylene , network covalent bonding , composite material , solvent , polymer , interpenetrating polymer network , polymer science , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry
Abstract Thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy resins, have found widespread applications because of their excellent thermomechanical and solvent resistance properties. However, the recycling of thermosets remains a challenge, due to the irreversible covalent crosslinking bonds in the network. The exchangeable covalent bonds in vitrimers open opportunities in the way that materials can be dynamically repaired. However, in the case of polyolefins, the strategy of exchangeable vitrimers is still underexplored. Herein, a simple way is reported to prepare a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) vitrimer with a triple shape memory effect, where exchangeable esters are introduced into the network of covalently crosslinked HDPE. With the incorporation of polyethers or polyesters into the crosslinked network, the two obtained vitrimers show outstanding recyclability and a good triple shape memory effect. This new strategy of preparing an HDPE vitrimer might allow the high‐value utilization of crosslinked polyolefins.