Conventional foams usually consist of thermosetting materials that are chemically hardened during production. Although this means they retain their shape permanently, until now they could not be melted down or recycled. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas wanted to develop a material that is both robust in use and recyclable. The solution: a new type of foam based on dynamic covalent chemistry. This creates chemical bonds between the molecules. These bonds can be broken again under certain conditions.
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The new material is recyclable and can even repair itself. Complex geometries can also be created from the foam by means of 3D printing—ideal for applications such as shock absorbers, insulation or protective clothing. Even if the material cannot be completely reshaped, its structure makes it much more durable and sustainable than conventional materials. The aim of the continuing research is to make the foam even easier to recycle and to use it in larger workpieces.