Autonomous Underwater Self-Healable Adhesive Elastomers Enabled by Dynamical Hydrophobic Phase-Separated Microdomains
Xiankun Wu1, Min Li1, Haonan Li1
1Biomass Molecular Engineering Center, Anhui Provincial Engineering Center for High Performance Biobased Nylons, School of Materials and Chemistry, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 21, 2024
Summary
This study developed a robust underwater self-healing elastomer using polyurethane-amide. The material demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and autonomous healing in harsh aquatic conditions, ideal for marine applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Ocean Engineering
Background:
- Underwater self-healing materials are crucial for marine exploration and operations.
- Existing materials face challenges in aquatic environments due to water molecule interference with dynamic interactions.
- Need for robust elastomers with reliable mechanical properties and healing capabilities in water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultra-robust, all-environment stable self-healable polyurethane-amide supramolecular elastomer.
- To engineer hydrophobic domains and hydrogen bonding for mechanical and healing compatibility.
- To suppress water ingress and enhance performance in aqueous conditions.
Main Methods:
- Rational engineering of hydrophobic domains and multistrength hydrogen bonding interactions.
- Self-assembly of hydrophobic chains and hierarchical hydrogen bonds into a multiphase matrix.
- Characterization of mechanical properties, self-healing efficiency, and adhesion in aqueous environments.
Main Results:
- Developed a polyurethane-amide supramolecular elastomer with high stretchability (1601%) and extreme toughness (87.1 MJ m⁻³).
- Achieved autonomous underwater self-healing with 58% efficiency and 12.7 MPa healed strength in harsh conditions.
- Demonstrated effective instantaneous adhesion (6.2 MPa) in extreme aqueous environments.
Conclusions:
- The engineered hydrophobic hard-phase microdomains regulate mechanical enhancement and underwater self-healing.
- The developed elastomer exhibits superior performance in harsh aquatic environments.
- The material shows potential as intelligent sealing devices for marine applications.
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