Chemistry

Researchers develop recyclable dynamic polymer network material for highly sensitive sensors

Sustainable polymer SWCNT-based flexible electrode materials. Credit: Sustainable polymer SWCNT-based flexible electrode material

Professor Chiyoung Park of DGIST’s School of Energy Science and Engineering has developed a new material that advances highly sensitive and recyclable sensor technology. In collaboration with Professor U-hyeok Choi of Inha University, Park’s team created a highly sensitive recyclable sensor based on a dynamic polymer network.

It is attracting attention as a next-generation material that combines environmental sustainability and high performance. The research is published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

Existing high-sensitivity sensors have limitations due to performance degradation due to fatigue and repeated use. However, the dynamic polymer network developed by the research team maintains excellent sensitivity and durability by utilizing vinyl-based urethane bonds. This bonded structure self-repairs in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, and pressure, preventing performance deterioration even after repeated use.

Dynamic polymer networks are also sensitive to various mechanical movements, heat, and light, and sensors based on the networks are excellent at detecting human body movements. Researchers demonstrated that the sensor can accurately detect finger bends, changes in facial expressions, and even throat swallowing movements. One of the biggest strengths of this technology is that it maintains the same sensitivity after recycling without degrading.

To address the growing problem of e-waste, the team designed a technology that combines recyclability with high performance. They believe that the versatility of dynamic polymer networks supports repeated use and recycling, which could lead to significant reductions in e-waste. Their research is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for sensor technology, but also for next-generation electronics, wearable devices, and medical devices. The team continues to work on commercializing this technology for a wide range of industrial applications.

“Our material has excellent processability and can be mechanically or chemically recycled,” Professor Park said. “The polymer network undergoes a simple recycling process, which is expected to extend the lifespan of electronic devices and wearable sensors and significantly reduce e-waste.”

Further information: Gyinghyeon Choi et al, Facile supramolecular processing of recyclable adaptive polymer composites for highly reproducible sensory materials, Chemical Engineering Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.154730

Provided by: DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)

Citation: Researchers create recyclable dynamic polymer network material for sensitive sensors (October 25, 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-10-dynamic-polymer-network-material Retrieved October 26, 2024 from -recyclable.html

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