Self-healing polymers with PEG oligomer side chains based on multiple H-bonding and adhesion properties

Abstract

In an attempt to prepare polymers able to function as self-healing materials, a quadruple hydrogen-bonding ureidopyrimidinone (UPy) moiety was introduced to polymer systems. Low crosslinking materials based on hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) containing 10% of UPy moieties were synthesized, and their thermal and rheological properties were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and a rotational rheometer. The hydroxyethyl group and a PEG oligomer with high molecular polarity as side chains provided high surface energies and adhesion properties. The fastest self-healing of these polymer films can be achieved within 20 min. The adhesion strength tests via the tensile mode revealed the potential of these self-healing polymers in application as adhesives.