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  • Focus Review
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Versatile functionalization of polymeric soft materials by implanting various types of dynamic cross-links

Polymer Journal volume 53, pages 779–788 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

The present focus review describes functionalization methods for polymeric materials based on the use of various types of cross-links, such as supramolecular cross-links, photocross-links, and associative dynamic covalent bonded cross-links. First, the enhancement and precise tuning of the thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric materials are described; then, the design and physical property tuning of functional materials based on a special type of cross-linked material with associative dynamic covalent bonded cross-links, known as vitrimers, are demonstrated. This review article provides useful hints for the preparation of functional cross-linked materials, which are especially important in modern and future societies considering the huge demand for durable materials with versatile physical properties.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank all past and present colleagues for their fruitful contributions to this focus review. He is greatly thankful to Prof. Y. Matsushita (Toyota Physical and Chemical Research Institute), Prof. M. Tokita (Tokyo Institute of Technology), and Prof. A. Takasu (Nagoya Institute of Technology), Prof. L. Leibler (ESPCI Paris-tech), and Prof. F. Tournilhac (ESPCI Paris-tech) for their tremendous encouragement and assistance. This research was supported by KAKENHI grants 17k17708 and 19K15633 from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and by various other research foundations.

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  1. Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Graduated School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho Showa-ku, Nagoya-city, 466-8555, Aichi, Japan

    Mikihiro Hayashi

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Correspondence to Mikihiro Hayashi.

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Hayashi, M. Versatile functionalization of polymeric soft materials by implanting various types of dynamic cross-links. Polym J 53, 779–788 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-021-00474-2

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