Comparing different dynamic covalent polymer network systems for self-healing applications (P017)

Joost Brancart, Gill Scheltjens, Maria Mercedes Diaz Acevedo, Bruno Van Mele, Guy Van Assche

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingMeeting abstract (Book)

Abstract

Dynamic covalent polymer network systems have been studied intensively in the past few years. These materials combine the superior mechanical properties of covalently cross-linked polymer network systems with a dynamic network formation reaction that renders these materials remendable and ultimately recyclable. The reversible Diels-Alder reaction has been studied most intensively of all available dynamic covalent chemistries, showing very promising results for future self-healing applications and recycling purposes.

Reversible covalent bonds are incorporated into epoxy-amine and polyester based polymer network systems, two of the most common and widely used covalent polymer network materials. The reversibility of the Diels-Alder reaction between a maleimide and a furan functional group was used to establish reversible covalent links in the form of a Diels-Alder cycloadduct. The equilibrium between the furan and maleimide functions and the formed adduct is a function of temperature and concentration; and can be altered accordingly. Increasing the temperature pushes the equilibrium towards the breaking of the covalent bonds and the formation of the starting functional groups. Upon cooling the bonds are reestablished and the network properties are recovered. When the concentration of the Diels-Alder functional groups is decreased, the equilibrium will also be shifted towards lower conversions. The reversibility of the network formation reaction was confirmed by means of various thermal analysis techniques.

The thermomechanical behavior of a series of reversible covalent polymer network materials is studied and compared by means of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) combined with Local Thermal Analysis (LTA) and in-situ heating is used to study the healing mechanism at the microscopic scale. Combining the insights in the thermomechanical behavior of this new type of materials on the microscopic and macroscopic level, renders the necessary information for the optimization of the healing system and the design of the material structure towards a wide range of practical applications.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBelgian Polymer Group Annual Meeting 2013 (BPG 2013), May 16-17 (2013), Houffalize, Belgium
Pages48
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 16 May 2013

Keywords

  • Self-Healing

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