ORGS5-0890
Recyclable Dynamic Polymers for Sustainable Electronics Applications
Topic
GS5. Graduate Student Oral Session V: Sustainable Polymers and Circular Materials
When and Where
Sep 28, 2026
14:00 - 14:12
Room 105
Session Chairs
Taehoo CHANG
Taejun EOM
Chae Bin KIM
Presenter(s)
Kyeongmin Hong (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST))
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The escalating crisis of electronic waste demands a fundamental shift toward sustainable materials that prioritize full recyclability without compromising operational performance. To address this challenge, we introduce a versatile vitrimer platform featuring dynamic covalent networks engineered for multifunctional hardware. By optimizing the controllable bond-exchange mechanisms inherent to vitrimers, this single polymeric system successfully achieves exceptional thermomechanical robustness during device operation, while enabling an efficient, non-destructive recycling pathway for end-of-life manageability.
Rather than being limited to a single application, this adaptable matrix is implemented as a universal material platform across diverse functional electronic components, spanning from data-processing elements and energy storage systems to structural hardware. Through these varied integrations, we demonstrate that the vitrimer network can be tailored to meet distinct operational requirements, enhancing device durability through its stress-relaxing capabilities while successfully providing excellent recyclability. The cross-linked polymer matrix can be fully reprocessed and recycled, ensuring a closed-loop material recovery for future electronics.
Ultimately, this study highlights a comprehensive macromolecular design strategy that transforms traditionally unrecyclable electronic hardware into sustainable platforms, presenting a viable and eco-friendly paradigm for next-generation green electronics.
Rather than being limited to a single application, this adaptable matrix is implemented as a universal material platform across diverse functional electronic components, spanning from data-processing elements and energy storage systems to structural hardware. Through these varied integrations, we demonstrate that the vitrimer network can be tailored to meet distinct operational requirements, enhancing device durability through its stress-relaxing capabilities while successfully providing excellent recyclability. The cross-linked polymer matrix can be fully reprocessed and recycled, ensuring a closed-loop material recovery for future electronics.
Ultimately, this study highlights a comprehensive macromolecular design strategy that transforms traditionally unrecyclable electronic hardware into sustainable platforms, presenting a viable and eco-friendly paradigm for next-generation green electronics.
