Thermoresponsive self-healable and recyclable polymer networks based on a dynamic quinone methide–thiol chemistry

Abstract

A novel thermoresponsive dynamic covalent chemistry was developed based on 1,6-conjugate addition between a stable para-quinone methide, namely 2,6-di-t-butyl-7-phenyl-p-quinone methide (pQM), and thiol nucleophiles. When applying it in the formation of polymer networks, covalently cross-linked polymer bulk materials were developed with thermoresponsive dynamic properties. This new type of dynamic covalent polymer network possesses wonderful structure stability at room temperature but demonstrates excellent self-healable and recyclable properties at high temperatures above 100 °C. The new thermoresponsive pQM–thiol dynamic covalent chemistry expanded the scope of dynamic covalent polymer network materials.