Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-14-2025

Abstract

Thermoset polymers are valued for their exceptional mechanical strength and thermal stability, but suffer from irreversibility due to permanent covalent crosslinks, limiting recyclability. Polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD), a widely used thermoset, exemplifies this limitation despite its excellent mechanical properties. In this study, we report an upcycling strategy for pDCPD through the incorporation of dynamic imine bonds. The successful integration of imine bonds was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Mechanical testing revealed that the modified pDCPD (pDCPD-imine) exhibits enhanced tensile strength and maintains its performance across multiple reprocessing cycles. Moreover, the dynamic nature of the imine bonds imparts healability to the network. This approach addresses a key limitation of conventional thermosets and offers a pathway to extend their functionality and service life through dynamic covalent chemistry.

Keywords

Polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD), dynamic imine bonds, upcycling, reprocessability

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biomedical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Biomedical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Sungjin Kim

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jean Hubert Olivier

Third Committee Member

Dr. Nick J Carroll

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