Recyclable polybutadiene elastomer based on dynamic imine bond

Catalyst-free recyclable polybutadiene (PB) elastomer cross-linked by dynamic imine bonds is prepared by the reaction between amine functionalized PB and aldehyde cross-linkers. The dynamic nature of imine bond is investigated by rheometry and creep-recovery experiments. The cross-linking degrees are regulated by incorporating different amount of aldehyde, and their influence on the cross-linked elastomers is investigated in detail. The temperature-induced imine exchange reactions enable recycling of the cross-linked PB elastomers and their mechanical properties are almost unchanged after several cycles. It is important to note that the elastomers also show excellent solvent resistance even at high temperature. The good mechanical properties, solvent resistance and recycling ability of the resultant PB elastomer demonstrate the superiority of the imine bonds in the design of recyclable polymers. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2011-2018