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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry
Published on: August 25, 2016
Room-temperature healing of a thermosetting polymer using the Diels-Alder reaction
Amy M Peterson1, Robert E Jensen, Giuseppe R Palmese
1Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA19104, USA.
Abstract:
Self-healing materials are particularly desirable for load-bearing applications because they offer the potential for increased safety and material lifetimes. A furan-functionalized polymer network was designed that can heal via covalent bonding across the crack surface with the use of a healing agent consisting of a bismaleimide in solution. Average healing efficiencies of approximately 70% were observed. The healing ability of fiber-reinforced composite specimens was investigated with flexural, short beam shear, and double cantilever beam specimens. It was found that solvent amount and maleimide concentration play key roles in determining healing efficiency.
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