Reworkable ionomers

Abstract

Some variations provide a reworkable ionomer composition comprising: a polymer containing a plurality of ionic monomers disposed in a chain backbone of the polymer, wherein the ionic monomers have a monomer charge polarity that is either positive or negative; and a plurality of ionic species disposed within the chain backbone of the polymer, wherein the ionic species have opposite charge polarity compared to the monomer charge polarity, wherein the ionic species and the ionic monomers are ionically bonded, and wherein the ionic species are capable of undergoing a reversible oxidation-state transition of at least +1 or −1 when in the presence of a redox reagent. The polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyesters, polyureas, polyurethane-ureas, polysiloxanes, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof. Many options for ionic monomers and ionic species are disclosed. These reworkable ionomers are useful for many commercial applications, including coatings and polymer parts.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.