Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) polymers and methods for their formation are described herein. To create oriented 2D polymer films, monomers are combined with processing additives within a solvent, creating a solution that can be cast and dried to remove the solvent and form a solid film. The methods can enable transformation of the monomers into oriented films. Film quality can be controlled via multiple processing parameters, including monomer and additive concentrations, shear and elongational flow rates during casting, evaporation rates, and post-process rinsing, buffering, stretching, and thermal treatments. By combining stiff carbon-containing cyclic polymer nodal units with more compliant linear polymer bridge units in an ordered, 2D repeating molecular structure it is possible to tailor the mechanical properties of 2D polymers and their assemblies to provide high stiffness, strength, and toughness.

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) polymers and methods for their formation are described herein. To create oriented 2D polymer films, monomers are combined with processing additives within a solvent, creating a solution that can be cast and dried to remove the solvent and form a solid film. The methods can enable transformation of the monomers into oriented films. Film quality can be controlled via multiple processing parameters, including monomer and additive concentrations, shear and elongational flow rates during casting, evaporation rates, and post-process rinsing, buffering, stretching, and thermal treatments. By combining stiff carbon-containing cyclic polymer nodal units with more compliant linear polymer bridge units in an ordered, 2D repeating molecular structure it is possible to tailor the mechanical properties of 2D polymers and their assemblies to provide high stiffness, strength, and toughness.