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Published on: May 31, 2022
Multiple-responsive shape memory polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposites with rapid self-healing and recycling
Chenting Cai1, Yue Zhang2, Mei Li1
1Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China spclbh@nankai.edu.cn.
This study introduces a novel polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite with Diels-Alder crosslinks, offering shape memory, self-healing, and reprocessing capabilities. Graphene enhances mechanical properties and enables localized thermal triggering for these advanced functions.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing polymers with multiple advanced properties via precise molecular design remains challenging.
- Existing polymer materials often lack integrated functionalities like shape memory, self-healing, and reprocessing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite with Diels-Alder (DA) crosslinks exhibiting multiple superior material properties.
- To investigate the role of graphene and DA bonds in achieving enhanced mechanical properties, shape memory, self-healing, and reprocessing.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a Diels-Alder (DA) based crosslinked polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite (PAN-DA/GR).
- Utilizing graphene as localized thermal sources activated by IR/microwave energy.
- Employing Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and in situ variable temperature 13C solid-state NMR to monitor DA reactions.
Main Results:
- The PAN-DA/GR nanocomposite demonstrated shape memory, self-healing, and reprocessing capabilities.
- Graphene incorporation enhanced mechanical strength and enabled IR/microwave-triggered shape memory and self-healing via localized heating and retro-DA reactions.
- The material exhibited solid-state plasticity and versatile shape adaptability due to topological network rearrangement.
Conclusions:
- The developed PAN-DA/GR nanocomposite successfully integrates multiple advanced functionalities.
- Precise molecular design using DA chemistry and graphene integration offers a promising route to multi-functional polymer materials.
- Targeted self-healing and shape control can be achieved via localized IR laser irradiation.
