Multivalent hydrogen bonding block copolymers self-assemble into strong and tough self-healing materials

Abstract

Triblock copolymers having glassy PMMA blocks and dynamic hydrogen bonding blocks were synthesized by sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The dynamic triblock copolymers self-assemble into nanocomposite materials exhibiting a combination of mechanical strength, toughness, and self-healing capability.