Closed‐Loop Chemical Recyclable Guanidinium‐Imine Covalent Adaptable Networks With Exceptional Mechanical Strength and Chemical Stability

Abstract Thermosetting polymers face significant challenges in recyclability and environmental sustainability due to their permanently cross‐linked structures. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer a promising solution by incorporating dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs), yet they often suffer from a trade‐off between recyclability and chemical stability. Herein, we report a mechanically robust and chemically stable guanidinium‐based CAN through the synergistic integration of dynamic imine bonds and robust hydrogen‐bonds. By employing triaminoguanidinium chloride (TGCl) as a dynamic cross‐linker, a poly(urethane‐guanidinium‐imine) (PUGI) network bearing adjacent dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds within one chemical moiety, thereby overcoming the trade‐off between recyclability and chemical stability. This synergetic polymer network endows the PUGI CAN with exceptional mechanical strength (tensile strength up to 117.8 MPa), outstanding chemical stability against aggressive media (including strong acids, bases, and saline solutions), and efficient physical recyclability via hot‐pressing. Critically, the inherent reversibility of guanidinium‐based imine bonds enables the PUGI CAN closed‐loop chemical recyclability while retaining its mechanical properties. This work provides a versatile molecular paradigm for designing high‐performance, recyclable thermosets with potential applications in extreme environments and contributes to the development of a circular economy for advanced polymers.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-07-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.77305
Primary Topic
Polymer composites and self-healing
Type
article
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article

Closed‐Loop Chemical Recyclable Guanidinium‐Imine Covalent Adaptable Networks With Exceptional Mechanical Strength and Chemical Stability

Chunyang Bao, H Zhang, Qingqing Hao, J S Liu et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Polymer composites and self-healing
article

Closed‐Loop Chemical Recyclable Guanidinium‐Imine Covalent Adaptable Networks With Exceptional Mechanical Strength and Chemical Stability

Chunyang Bao, H Zhang, Qingqing Hao, J S Liu, Zhirong Xin, Hao Chen
article en

Abstract

Abstract Thermosetting polymers face significant challenges in recyclability and environmental sustainability due to their permanently cross‐linked structures. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer a promising solution by incorporating dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs), yet they often suffer from a trade‐off between recyclability and chemical stability. Herein, we report a mechanically robust and chemically stable guanidinium‐based CAN through the synergistic integration of dynamic imine bonds and robust hydrogen‐bonds. By employing triaminoguanidinium chloride (TGCl) as a dynamic cross‐linker, a poly(urethane‐guanidinium‐imine) (PUGI) network bearing adjacent dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds within one chemical moiety, thereby overcoming the trade‐off between recyclability and chemical stability. This synergetic polymer network endows the PUGI CAN with exceptional mechanical strength (tensile strength up to 117.8 MPa), outstanding chemical stability against aggressive media (including strong acids, bases, and saline solutions), and efficient physical recyclability via hot‐pressing. Critically, the inherent reversibility of guanidinium‐based imine bonds enables the PUGI CAN closed‐loop chemical recyclability while retaining its mechanical properties. This work provides a versatile molecular paradigm for designing high‐performance, recyclable thermosets with potential applications in extreme environments and contributes to the development of a circular economy for advanced polymers.

Advanced Functional Materials
Yantai University (CN)
Life in Land, Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 17%
Polymer composites and self-healing
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Closed‐Loop Chemical Recyclable Guanidinium‐Imine Covalent Adaptable Networks With Exceptional Mechanical Strength and Chemical Stability — Chunyang Bao, H Zhang, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS