The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Polymer chain entanglements help determine the mechanical characteristics of polymeric materials. Here, the study of 3D molecularly woven covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to induce polymer chain threading is introduced. When incorporated into a polyimide matrix, COF nanocrystals can template its chain conformation and modulate the range of intermolecular interactions by forming polymer-COF junctions. The large pore sizes and high degrees of freedom achieved through molecular weaving allow for the spatial arrangement of polymer strands. This offers a programmable pathway for unthreading polymer chains under stress, resulting in the enhancement of the strength, ductility, and toughness of the composites.