Biobased Precursors for One‐Pot Upgradable Multi Dynamic Linkages Based Covalent Adaptable Networks With Tunable Mechanical Behaviour

ABSTRACT

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are potentially considered as a viable alternative to one‐time use plastics and their stimuli responsiveness render them suitable for application in a range of functional domains. However, most of the CANs reported in literature are based on a single dynamic linkage. In this report, we explore a biobased functional motif for synthesis of thioacetal based CANs, which may be suitably functionalized to serve as a precursor for CANs with multiple dynamic linkages such as thioacetal, thia‐Michael adduct and Diels Alder adduct. This opens the window for tailoring mechanical and responsive behavior of the resulting CANs. As a proof of concept, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural is utilized for the synthesis of thioacetal based CANs (PEMP‐HMF‐n) in presence of a tetra‐thiol crosslinker and its acrylate functionalized derivative is exploited for multi dynamic linkage‐based CAN (PEMP‐HMFA‐n) in presence of the above crosslinker. The resulting PEMP‐HMFA‐n films display five‐time increase in tensile stress value compared to that of the PEMP‐HMF‐n supporting the design philosophy.