Engineering of Multi-Dynamic Bonds Toward Room-Temperature Self-Healing Epoxy/MXene Adaptable Network with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional epoxy networks lack toughness and self-healing, limiting their applications.
• Inspiration from natural structures like mussel nacre and byssus offers pathways to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bionic epoxy/MXene network with enhanced toughness and self-healing properties.
• To integrate a multi-type dynamic bond system and an inverse-artificial nacre structure for improved material performance.

Main Methods:

• Hierarchical assembly of epoxy and MXene.
• Integration of quadruple hydrogen bonds, disulfide bonds, and interfacial hydrogen bonds.
• Characterization of mechanical properties, self-healing efficiency, and environmental stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved exceptional toughness (210.75 MJ m⁻³) and stretchability (864.72%).
• Demonstrated rapid self-healing (90% recovery in 2 hours at 25°C).
• Exhibited superior gas impermeability and interfacial adhesive strength (9.58 MPa).

Conclusions:

• The bionic epoxy/MXene network provides a robust platform for high-performance materials.
• The developed material shows promise for durable protective coatings and flexible devices in marine environments.
• The multi-type dynamic bond system is key to achieving superior mechanical and self-healing properties.