Uncompromised reinforcement: polysiloxane with 100% room-temperature self-healing and antifouling

Abstract

To resolve the “strengthening–self-healing” contradiction and antifouling requirements of self-healing polysiloxane materials, this study prepared a hydrogen-rich polysiloxane resin (SDC) containing dynamic imine bonds. By compositing low-content silane-homologous modified graphene oxide (s-GO) and a silver metal–organic framework (Ag-MOF), the composite's tensile strength was improved by 39.0%. Low-content fillers act as hard domains to provide local cross-linking sites without impeding the long-range motion of molecular chains, thus achieving mechanical reinforcement without compromising the self-healing performance. The self-healing efficiency reached 100% at 25 °C in 60 min, and the healing time could be shortened at 37 °C or via the photothermal effect of s-GO. The released Ag⁺ can kill bacteria and Chlorella, completely avoiding microbial adhesion. This synergistic design achieves a trinity of functions of mechanical reinforcement, efficient self-healing and antifouling, providing a new idea for intelligent antifouling polysiloxane materials.