Epoxy-based Polymer Networks as a Tool for the Design of New Functional Materials

ALTUNA F. ; ANTONACCI J. ; ARENAS G.; DELL'ERBA I; HOPPE, CRISTINA E.; PETTARIN V.; PUIG, J.; SCHROEDER, W.F.; WILLIAMS, R.J.J.

Braga

Conferencia; 43rd International Conference on Micro and Nanoengineering (MNE2017); 2017

Cross-linked polymer networks offer a versatile answer for the synthesis of smart materials with applications in priority areas like energy, food, environment, medicine, among others. In this talk, selected examples of functional materials based on epoxy crosslinked networks will be discussed. The synthesis of self-healable vitrimers based on the epoxy acid chemistry will be first discribed. Especial attention will be paid to the use of the photothermal effect for remote activation of the transesterification processes. The design and synthesis of shape memory epoxy networks will also be analyzed with the focus put in the possibility on local control of the activation. Finally, thermoreversible organogels and other supramolecular networks will also be analyzed in the context of new applications in thermal storage.