Epoxy‐based networks combining chemical and supramolecular hydrogen‐bonding crosslinks

We combine the supramolecular chemistry of heterocyclic ureas with the chemistry of epoxides to synthesize new crosslinked materials incorporating both chemical and supramolecular hydrogen‐bonded links. A two‐step facile and solvent‐free procedure is used to obtain chemically and thermally stable networks from widely available ingredients: epoxy resins and fatty acids. The density of both chemical and physical crosslinks is controlled by the stoichiometry of the reactants and the use of a proper catalyst to limit side reactions. Depending on the stoichiometry, a wide range of thermomechanical properties can be attained. The method can be used to produce elastomeric objects of complex shapes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1133–1141, 2010