Dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers

Classical rubbers and elastomers are normally prepared via a crosslinking process such as vulcanization, which can produce permanent covalently crosslinked structures and endows mechanical robustness, chemical resistance and thermal stability. However, the permanent covalently crosslinked networks make rubbers and elastomers cannot be reprocessed, reshaped or recycled, causing serious pollution and negative impacts on the environment. The design of dynamic covalent crosslinked structures in polymers brings new properties to classical rubber and elastomer materials, in particular in terms of thermal responses, reprocessability and recycling abilities. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the design and synthesis of dynamic crosslinked polymers. In this review, the designs, characterizations, and utilizations of dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers are summarized, focusing on the design and synthesis of dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers with sustainability and recyclability, followed by an overview of the applications of dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers. Furthermore, through the tuning and controlling on the dynamic crosslinked structure variedly, some functional behaviors can be realized. To declare and promote the consequence and potential utilization of the dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers, perspectives and suggestions are presented for future research on the design, synthesis, and process strategies of dynamic crosslinked elastomers and rubbers.