Thermodynamically stable whilst kinetically labile coordination bonds lead to strong and tough self-healing polymers

Jian-Cheng Lai, Xiao-Yong Jia, Da-Peng Wang, Yi-Bing Deng, Peng Zheng, Cheng-Hui Li (), Jing-Lin Zuo () and Zhenan Bao ()
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Jian-Cheng Lai: Nanjing University
Xiao-Yong Jia: Nanjing University
Da-Peng Wang: Nanjing University
Yi-Bing Deng: Nanjing University
Peng Zheng: Nanjing University
Cheng-Hui Li: Nanjing University
Jing-Lin Zuo: Nanjing University
Zhenan Bao: Stanford University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract There is often a trade-off between mechanical properties (modulus and toughness) and dynamic self-healing. Here we report the design and synthesis of a polymer containing thermodynamically stable whilst kinetically labile coordination complex to address this conundrum. The Zn-Hbimcp (Hbimcp = 2,6-bis((imino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol) coordination bond used in this work has a relatively large association constant (2.2 × 1011) but also undergoes fast and reversible intra- and inter-molecular ligand exchange processes. The as-prepared Zn(Hbimcp)2-PDMS polymer is highly stretchable (up to 2400% strain) with a high toughness of 29.3 MJ m−3, and can autonomously self-heal at room temperature. Control experiments showed that the optimal combination of its bond strength and bond dynamics is responsible for the material’s mechanical toughness and self-healing property. This molecular design concept points out a promising direction for the preparation of self-healing polymers with excellent mechanical properties. We further show this type of polymer can be potentially used as energy absorbing material.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09130-z

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