Reprocessable polymer composition with dynamic crosslinks

Abstract

Polysiloxane-based polymers with reversible crosslinks are provided using at least one dynamic bond activator promoting Si—O bonds between adjacent silicon-oxygen backbone chain elastomers within the polymer network. The polymers are able to undergo reversible crosslinking and de-crosslinking processes, allowing for reprocessing. The polymer composition is formed from a silicon-oxygen backbone chain elastomer that creates a polymer network. A non-agglomerating filler is dispersed within and bonded to the polymer network. A catalyst facilitates a condensation reaction. A crosslinker may be one or more silanes that include one or more methoxy or ethoxy groups. At least one dynamic bond activator promotes Si—O bonds exchange between adjacent silicon-oxygen backbone chain elastomers of the polymer network. In bulk form, the polymer composition has properties of a thermosetting polymer at ambient conditions and is capable of reshaping as a viscoelastic liquid at a temperature of greater than approximately 170° C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.