Reprocessable and 3D printable polydimethylsiloxane by dynamic siloxane bond exchange.

Strategies for synthesis and processing of silicone rubber materials in three-dimensional (3D) structures are of significant interest based on their exceptional potential in many applications including flexible electronics and biomedical devices. Here, we present a synthetic approach of crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exhibiting dynamic siloxane bond exchange for sufficient stress relaxation capability to enable versatile processabilities including reprocessing, remolding, self-healing, and hot-melt extrusion 3D printing. Considering the significant potential of recyclable silicone materials and their 3D structures, presented approaches enabled by dynamic exchangeable PDMS can provide a new pathway to replace conventional unrecyclable silicone used in diverse industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]