Publications [#371309] of Stephen L Craig

Journal Articles

  1. Wang, S; Hu, Y; Kouznetsova, TB; Sapir, L; Chen, D; Herzog-Arbeitman, A; Johnson, JA; Rubinstein, M; Craig, SL, "Facile mechanochemical cycloreversion of polymer cross-linkers enhances tear resistance.", Science (New York, N.Y.)June,, 2023, 380(6651), 1248-1252 [doi].
    (last updated on 2026/01/21)

    Abstract:
    The mechanical properties of covalent polymer networks often arise from the permanent end-linking or cross-linking of polymer strands, and molecular linkers that break more easily would likely produce materials that require less energy to tear. We report that cyclobutane-based mechanophore cross-linkers that break through force-triggered cycloreversion lead to networks that are up to nine times as tough as conventional analogs. The response is attributed to a combination of long, strong primary polymer strands and cross-linker scission forces that are approximately fivefold smaller than control cross-linkers at the same timescales. The enhanced toughness comes without the hysteresis associated with noncovalent cross-linking, and it is observed in two different acrylate elastomers, in fatigue as well as constant displacement rate tension, and in a gel as well as elastomers.