A facile route to segmented copolymers by fusing ambient temperature step-growth and RAFT polymerization.

We introduce the facile synthesis of segmented copolymers by a catalyst-free Diels-Alder (DA) reaction at ambient temperature via step-growth and subsequent reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. High molecular weight step-growth polymers are readily obtained (M = 40 000 g mol), featuring trithiocarbonate moieties in their chain, which allow monomer insertion via RAFT polymerization yielding high molecular weight species.

Disulfone Cross-Linkers for λ-Orthogonal Photoinduced Curing and Degradation of Polymeric Networks.

We introduce a new concept for λ-orthogonal photocurable and degradable polymer networks based on disulfone cross-linkers. The methacrylate-based monomer mixture can be cured via irradiation with visible light (400-520 nm) due to a germanium-based initiator in 10 min. Subsequently, disassembly can be induced via the UV light (350-400 nm) triggered decomposition of a photogenerated amine (PGA) that cleaves the disulfone cross-links of the network completely via a substitution reaction.

Reversing Adhesion: A Triggered Release Self-Reporting Adhesive.

Here, the development of an adhesive is reported - generated via free radical polymerization - which can be degraded upon thermal impact within minutes. The degradation is based on a stimuli responsive moiety (SRM) that is incorporated into the network. The selected SRM is a hetero Diels-Alder (HDA) moiety that features three key properties.