A stretchable, mechanically robust polymer exhibiting shape-memory-assisted self-healing and clustering-triggered emission.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 37543695.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-40340-8 and PMC identifier 10404225.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Self-healing and recyclable polymer materials are being developed through extensive investigations on noncovalent bond interactions. However, they typically exhibit inferior mechanical properties. Therefore, the present study is aimed at synthesizing a polyurethane-urea elastomer with excellent mechanical properties and shape-memory-assisted self-healing behavior. In particular, the introduction of coordination and hydrogen bonds into elastomer leads to the optimal elastomer exhibiting good mechanical properties (strength, 76.37 MPa; elongation at break, 839.10%; toughness, 308.63 MJ m<sup>-3</sup>) owing to the phased energy dissipation mechanism involving various supramolecular interactions. The elastomer also demonstrates shape-memory properties, whereby the shape recovery force that brings damaged surfaces closer and facilitates self-healing. Surprisingly, all specimens exhibite clustering-triggered emission, with cyan fluorescence is observed under ultraviolet light. The strategy reported herein for developing multifunctional materials with good mechanical properties can be leveraged to yield stimulus-responsive polymers and smart seals.