Mechanochemical Triggers for Self -Healing Polymers

Mechanochemical triggers based on the electrocyclic ring opening of both trans and cis substituted benzocyclobutenes was studied. The products of mechanically-accelerated ring opening were studied by trapping experiments. Ultrasound induces ring opening at 10°C, whereas thermal activation only took place at temperatures over 105°C. It was found that the substitution pattern around the four-membered ring influenced the rotational preference for ring opening. 13C labeling studies indicate that while the trans isomer prefers to open in a conrotatory manner, the cis isomer prefers to open in a disrotatory manner. It is proposed that these rotational preferences are a result of the efficiency of stress release; mechanical activation is greatest for those pathways which most efficiently relieve the applied force upon transformation from substrate to products.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Hickenboth, Charles Robert

Contributors dc:contributor

• Moore, Jeffrey S.

• Engineering, Materials Science

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3250256

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/84247