Photothermal-Induced Self-Healable and Reconfigurable Shape Memory Bio-Based Elastomer with Recyclable Ability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Photothermal-induced self-healable and shape memory materials are crucial for sustainable technological applications.
• Epoxy natural rubber (ENR) is a bio-based elastomer with desirable mechanical and barrier properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop recyclable, self-healable, and shape memory ENR-based vitrimers.
• To incorporate multiple responsive properties, including photothermal and pH sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Cross-linking ENR with dodecanedioic acids (DAs) via esterification.
• Incorporating aniline trimer (ACAT) as a catalyst and responsive element.

Main Results:

• ENR-DA-ACAT vitrimers exhibited excellent recyclability and self-healing properties, maintaining mechanical integrity after multiple cycles.
• The materials demonstrated responsiveness to near-infrared (NIR) light and pH.
• ACAT acted as a catalyst, accelerating transesterification reactions.
• The vitrimer was successfully used to create reconfigurable shape memory polymers with high shape fixing and recovery ratios (>95%).

Conclusions:

• The developed ENR-based vitrimers offer a promising platform for creating advanced, multi-functional materials.
• These materials have significant potential for applications in actuators and reconfigurable systems.