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.), vol. 380 no. 6651 (June, 2023), pp. 1248-1252 [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/16)

   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.