Novel hybrid poly(thiourethane)/POSS covalent adaptable networks

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials have been introduced as one of the strategies to improve mechanical properties and obtaining new high-performance polymeric materials. These materials present a synergism that meets the advantages of both organic and inorganic phases: hardness and strength of inorganic phase, and elasticity and toughness of the organic matrix [1] Thiols and isocyanate groups react to give thiourethane or thiocarbamate groups. Polythiourethane (PTUs) are analogous with sulphur of polyurethane (PUs), one of the most produced polymers in the world. Despite of their advantages over PUs, PTUs have been less studied than PUs. In previous studies of our group, it was demonstrated that trans-thiocarbamoylation exchange reactions between thiourethane groups leads to a vitrimeric-like behaviour to this knd of networked polymers improving the easily of recycling and reshaping them [2, 3]. The aim of this study is not only to improve the mechanical characteristics of PTUs but also to determine the effect of the inorganic reinforcement in the relaxation behaviour.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version