A healable elastomer composites based on visible light-induced supramolecular chemistry
Shrabana Sarkar, Bhavya Parameswaran and Nikhil Kumar Singha Rubber Technology Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
Introducing the self-healing property in commercially available elastomers promotes the development of high-end elastomeric products with an extended lifespan and economic viability. Typically elastomers are crosslinked via chemical (by sulfur or peroxides) or UV curing processes. Interestingly, incorporating a visible-light curing system into the elastomers will be an alternative eco-friendly route. Herein, carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) has been modified with light-sensitive benzylimine-functionalized anthracene (BIFA) moiety. Reinforcing amine-modified nano-silica is mixed with the BIFA-modified XNBR for tunable mechanical properties. BIFA-modified XNBR composites undergo crosslinking via dimerization of anthracene moiety through π-π interactions in the presence of blue LED light. Crosslinked composite films exhibit a desirable self-heal ability (healing efficiency of 75%) after healing under blue LED at ambient temperature, having tensile stress of ~4 MPa. Interestingly, the modified elastomer could be able to uptake different 3D morphology. Furthermore, composite samples are reprocessable up to two times, retaining mechanical properties well. Thus, elastomer composites provide a path for room temperature healing under visible light with a good balance of mechanical properties, which could be suitable for next-generation smart materials. References 1. S. Sarkar, B Parameswaran, N. K. Singha. Room Temperature Healable Elastomer Composite Based on Light Induced Supramolecular Chemistry, European Polymer Journal, 2023, 112194. 2. Z. Jiang, M.L. Tan, M. Taheri, Q. Yan, T. Tsuzuki, M.G. Gardiner, B. Diggle, L.A. Connal. Strong, Self-Healable, and Recyclable Visible-Light-Responsive Hydrogel Actuators, Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2020, 59, 7049–7056
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© The Author(s), 2023
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