A broadly applicable cross-linker for aliphatic polymers containing C–H bonds
Date
2019
Authors
Lepage, Mathieu L.
Simhadri, Chakravarthi
Liu, Chang
Takaffoli, Mahdi
Bi, Liting
Crawford, Bryn
Milani, Abbas S.
Wulff, Jeremy E.
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Volume Title
Publisher
Science
Abstract
Addition of molecular cross-links to polymers increases mechanical strength and improves corrosion resistance. However, it remains challenging to install cross-links in low-functionality macromolecules in a well-controlled manner. Typically, high-energy processes are required to generate highly reactive radicals in situ, allowing only limited control over the degree and type of cross-link. We rationally designed a bis-diazirine molecule whose decomposition into carbenes under mild and controllable conditions enables the cross-linking of essentially any organic polymer through double C–H activation. The utility of this molecule as a cross-linker was demonstrated for several diverse polymer substrates (including polypropylene, a low-functionality polymer of long-standing challenge to the field) and in applications including adhesion of low–surface-energy materials and the strengthening of polyethylene fabric.
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Citation
Lepage, M. L., Simhadri, C., Liu, C., Takaffoli, M., Bi, L., Crawford, B., Milani, A. S., & Wulff, J. E. (2019). A broadly applicable cross-linker for aliphatic polymers containing C–H bonds. Science, 366(6467), 875-878. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay6230