Dynamic Covalent Bonds of Si-OR and Si-OSi Enabled A Stiff Polymer to Heal and Recycle at Room Temperature

• Published in: Materials Vol. 14; no. 10; p. 2680
• Main Authors: Fan, Ping, Xue, Can, Zhou, Xiantai, Yang, Zujin, Ji, Hongbing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 20-05-2021; MDPI
• Subjects: Aqueous solutions; Chemical bonds; Communication; Contact angle; Covalent bonds; Curing; dynamic covalent bonds; Humidity; Hydrogels; Mechanical properties; Polymerization; Polymers; Polyvinyl alcohol; Recyclable materials; Recycling; Room temperature; Sample size; Self healing materials; self-healing; siloxanes; Spectrum analysis; stiff polymer; Temperature; Wetting; China; recycling; dynamic covalent bonds; stiff polymer; siloxanes; self-healing
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma14102680

As stiff polymers are difficult to self-heal, the balance between polymers' self-healing ability and mechanical properties is always a big challenge. Herein, we have developed a novel healable stiff polymer based on the Si-OR and Si-OSi dynamic covalent bonds. The self-healing mechanism was tested and proved by the small molecule model experiments and the contrast experiments of polymers. This polymer possesses excellent tensile, bending properties as well as room temperature self-healing abilities. Moreover, due to the sticky and shapeable properties under wetting conditions, the polymer could be used as an adhesive. Besides, even after four cycles of recycling, the polymer maintains its original properties, which meets the requirements of recyclable materials. It was demonstrated that the polymer exhibits potential application in some fields, such as recyclable materials and healable adhesives.