Recyclable, Strong, and Highly Malleable Thermosets Based on Boroxine Networks

Traditional thermoset materials have favorable material properties but are unable to reprocess and are difficult to recycle. Small molecule boroxines have been shown to undergo a reversible exchange reaction. Herein we employ boroxine as dynamic cross-links to construct a novel type of thermoset material that is strong, highly malleable, and recyclable. The synthesis and dynamic mechanical properties of boroxine networks are described. Upon heating in water the material can be recycled back to its monomer. With a multitude of tunable variables, we anticipate this system to be a platform for the development of a range of new dynamic materials.