Abstract
To tackle the challenge of manufacturing highly filled composite materials via melt compounding and injection molding, the authors proposed a novel approach based on Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry. Polycaprolactone oligomers (PCLolig, Mw = 2000 g/mol) were firstly crosslinked by DA bonds, and then the resultant network PCLolig-DA was also connected to maleimide functionalized Al2O3 particles (Al2O3-M) via DA bonds. Upon being heated to the retro-DA reaction temperature, the covalent adaptable composite network exhibited low viscosity due to de-crosslinking, enabling melt processing and well dispersion of high-concentration fillers. During the subsequent cooling, the composite network was regained because of DA reaction, benefiting increase of the composite’s strength. Consequently, the contradictory requirements for molecular weight of matrix polymer under the circumstances, which had better to be as low as possible during the manufacturing but as high as possible in the ultimate composites, were skillfully satisfied.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
