Self-healing behaviour of furan–maleimide poly(ionic liquid) covalent adaptable networks

Abstract

Poly(ionic liquid) covalently adaptable networks containing thermoreversible furan–maleimide linkages were prepared and characterized for their thermal, mechanical and conductive properties. Self-healing behaviour was initially evaluated using oscillatory rheology where a G′/G′′ crossover temperature of ∼110 °C was observed. Anhydrous conductivities, as determined by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, were found to be on the order of 10⁻⁸ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C. Recovery of >70% of the original stress and strain at break was found within 2 hours at 105 °C as determined from tensile testing experiments, with breakage occurring at a new point on the film. Recovery of conductivity was completed utilizing chronoamperometric cycling whereby >75% of the original current was recovered within two hours at 110 °C.