Deciphering Siloxane Bond Exchanges: From a Molecular Study to Vitrimerization and Recycling of Silicone Elastomers.

The activity of various additives promoting siloxane equilibration reactions is examined and quantified on model compounds. We found in particular that the "superbase" phosphazene derivative P - Bu can promote very fast exchanges (a few seconds at 90 °C) even at low concentration (<0.1 wt %).

Polyethylene Aerogels with Combined Physical and Chemical Crosslinking: Improved Mechanical Resilience and Shape-Memory Properties.

While the introduction of polymers into aerogels strongly enhances their toughness, truly elastic monolithic aerogels which restore their dimensions upon extensive compression are still challenging to synthesize. In this context hydrophobic semi-crystalline polymers with low glass transition temperatures, and combined stiffness and flexibility, have only recently attracted attention. Shown here is that polyethylene aerogels with a low density, and combined chemical crosslinking and high crystallinity, display high moduli and excellent mechanical resilience.