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Self-Healable Covalently Adaptable Networks Based on Disulfide Exchange
Xinru Guo1, Feng Liu1, Meng Lv1
1Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory of Waterborne Coating, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China.
Polymers
|October 14, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel catalyst-free polymer network with vinylogous urethane and disulfide bonds. This material demonstrates efficient self-healing properties and retains mechanical strength after repair, offering a sustainable solution for thermoset polymers.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dynamic covalent bonding in polymers enables self-healing, reducing waste and extending material lifespan.
- Current self-healing polymers often require catalysts, high temperatures, or pressures, limiting practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a catalyst-free self-healing polymer network.
- To investigate the impact of disulfide bonds on polymer network properties and healing efficiency.
- To create high-performance vitrimer polymers with enhanced mechanical properties after healing.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a bis-dynamic covalent polymer network incorporating vinylogous urethane and disulfide bonds.
- Investigated the activation energy for bond exchange within the polymer system.
- Evaluated self-healing efficiency and mechanical property recovery after damage.
Main Results:
- The disulfide bonds significantly reduced the activation energy for bond exchange from 94 kJ/mol to 51 kJ/mol.
- Achieved a high self-healing efficiency of 86.92% after heating at 100 °C for 20 hours.
- Healed materials exhibited mechanical properties comparable to the original, undamaged material.
Conclusions:
- The developed bis-dynamic covalent polymer network offers a catalyst-free approach to self-healing thermosets.
- The incorporation of disulfide bonds is crucial for lowering activation energy and enhancing healing.
- This strategy paves the way for advanced vitrimer polymers with superior performance and durability.
