Methods for incorporating dynamic bonds into existing polymers

NU 2023-117

INVENTORS

• Julia Kalow*
• Daniel Hart
• Joseph Accardo

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This invention presents a method for incorporating dynamic bonds into unsaturated polymers commonly found in synthetic rubbers. The approach enables the chemical modification of waste rubber creating a new material that can be chemically or mechanically recycled, supporting applications in self-healing and injection-moldable rubbers.

BACKGROUND

Traditional thermoplastic and thermoset materials face significant recycling challenges due to irreversible crosslinking and degradation during processing. The inability to effectively reprocess commodity rubbers has contributed to extensive waste accumulation, driving the need for innovative sustainable materials. By integrating dynamic bonds into existing polymers, this method overcomes these hurdles while maintaining the desirable properties of traditional elastomers.

ABSTRACT

The disclosed method enables the formation of a crosslinked polymer network by incorporating dynamic bonds into pre-existing unsaturated polymers. These bonds, introduced without generating ionic groups, allow the resulting elastomers to be chemically or mechanically recycled via processes such as reactive extrusion and thiol exchange. This strategy offers a versatile, energy-efficient route to enhance the sustainability and lifecycle of conventional rubber materials.

APPLICATIONS

• Recycled rubber products
  • Facilitates the conversion of waste rubbers into high-value, functional materials.
• Self-healing rubbers
  • Enables elastomers to autonomously repair damage, extending product lifespans
• Injection-moldable rubbers
  • Provides processable, reprocessable elastomers suitable for diverse molding applications.

ADVANTAGES

• Utilizes existing commodity polymers
  • Eliminates the need for synthesizing new polymers to achieve recyclability.
• Tunable Chemical Process
  • Different concentrations of dynamic bonds provides materials with varied physical properties.

IP STATUS

US Patent Pending US20250034341A1