A rigid and healable polymer cross-linked by weak but abundant Zn(II)-carboxylate interactions

Jian-Cheng Lai, Lan Li, Da-Peng Wang, Min-Hao Zhang, Sheng-Ran Mo, Xue Wang, Ke-Yu Zeng, Cheng-Hui Li (), Qing Jiang, Xiao-Zeng You and Jing-Lin Zuo ()
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Jian-Cheng Lai: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Lan Li: Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University
Da-Peng Wang: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Min-Hao Zhang: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Sheng-Ran Mo: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Xue Wang: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Ke-Yu Zeng: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Cheng-Hui Li: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Qing Jiang: Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University
Xiao-Zeng You: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University
Jing-Lin Zuo: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Achieving a desirable combination of solid-like properties and fast self-healing is a great challenge due to slow diffusion dynamics. In this work, we describe a design concept that utilizes weak but abundant coordination bonds to achieve this objective. The designed PDMS polymer, crosslinked by abundant Zn(II)-carboxylate interactions, is very strong and rigid at room temperature. As the coordination equilibrium is sensitive to temperature, the mechanical strength of this polymer rapidly and reversibly changes upon heating or cooling. The soft–rigid switching ability σ, defined as G’max /G’min, can reach 8000 when ΔT = 100 °C. Based on these features, this polymer not only exhibits fast thermal-healing properties, but is also advantageous for various applications such as in orthopedic immobilization, conductive composites/adhesives, and 3D printing.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05285-3

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