Issue 46, 2019

Dual-dynamic interpenetrated networks tuned through macromolecular architecture

Abstract

Recent progress on stretchable, tough dual-dynamic polymer single networks (SN) and interpenetrated networks (IPN) has broadened the potential applications of dynamic polymers. However, the impact of macromolecular structure on the material mechanics remains poorly understood. Here, rapidly exchanging hydrogen bonds and thermoresponsive Diels–Alder bonds were included into molecularly engineered interpenetrated network materials. RAFT polymerization was used to make well-defined polymers with control over macromolecular architecture. The IPN materials were assessed by gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing and rheology. The mechanical properties of these IPN materials can be tuned by varying the crosslinker content and chain length. All materials are elastic and have dynamic behavior at both ambient temperature and elevated temperature (90 °C), owing to the presence of the dual dynamic noncovalent and covalent bonds. 100% self-healing recovery was achieved and a maximum stress level of up to 6 MPa was obtained. The data suggested the material's healing properties are inversely proportional to the content of the crosslinker or the degree of polymerization at both room and elevated temperature. The thermoresponsive crosslinker restricted deformation to some extent in an ambient environment but gave excellent malleability upon heating. The underlying mechanism was explored by the computational simulations. Furthermore, a single network material with the same crosslinker content and degree of polymerization as the IPN was made. The SN was substantially weaker than the comparable IPN material.

Graphical abstract: Dual-dynamic interpenetrated networks tuned through macromolecular architecture

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
15 محرم 1441
Accepted
25 صفر 1441
First published
25 صفر 1441

Polym. Chem., 2019,10, 6290-6304

Author version available

Dual-dynamic interpenetrated networks tuned through macromolecular architecture

B. Zhang, J. Ke, J. R. Vakil, S. C. Cummings, Z. A. Digby, J. L. Sparks, Z. Ye, M. B. Zanjani and D. Konkolewicz, Polym. Chem., 2019, 10, 6290 DOI: 10.1039/C9PY01387C

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements