A Self-Healing Dielectric Supramolecular Elastomer Functionalized with Aniline Tetramer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Supramolecular elastomers (SEs) are advanced materials with dynamic, reversible bonding.
• Developing SEs with simultaneous self-healing and desirable dielectric properties remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel supramolecular elastomer functionalized with aniline tetramer (AT).
• To investigate the impact of AT functionalization on the self-healing, dielectric, and electro-mechanical properties of the elastomer.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of aniline tetramer (AT)-functionalized supramolecular elastomer (SE-AT).
• Characterization of structural changes (amorphous structure, reduced glass transition temperature) induced by AT termination.
• Evaluation of self-healing capabilities at room temperature without external stimuli.
• Measurement of dielectric constant and electro-mechanical performance, including actuated strain.

Main Results:

• SE-AT demonstrates efficient self-healing of mechanical properties within 24 hours at room temperature.
• Dielectric constant increases with higher AT content, while modulus decreases.
• Electro-mechanical properties are enhanced, with a maximum actuated strain of 10% at 1 V µm⁻¹ for SE-AT20%.
• The material recovers actuated strain at the site of mechanical damage post-healing.

Conclusions:

• Aniline tetramer functionalization is an effective strategy to create self-healing supramolecular elastomers with tunable dielectric and electro-mechanical properties.
• The dual noncovalent bonding (π-π stacking and hydrogen bonds) in SE-AT facilitates efficient healing.
• SE-AT shows promise for applications requiring flexible, self-repairing, and electro-responsive materials.