Construction of high strength, tough, self-healing polyvinyl alcohol materials based on triazolinedione-indole dynamic covalent cross-linking
摘要
Polymeric materials with self-healing capabilities have garnered considerable attention across diverse fields such as aerospace and soft robotics in recent years. However, attaining an optimal equilibrium between mechanical strength and self-healing properties remains a formidable challenge, thereby impeding their widespread adoption. To surmount this hurdle, our research endeavors focus on harnessing the dynamic reversible properties of C–N bonds via triazolinedione (TAD) and indole-derived groups. This click chemistry plays a crucial role in crafting high-strength self-healing materials. In this investigation, we introduced C–N dynamically reversible covalent bonds amidst polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains, yielding notable enhancements in both mechanical robustness and self-repairing capabilities of thin film materials. The tensile strength of the film surged from 16.3 to 37 MPa, while elongation at break increased from 194 to 440%. These mechanical attributes outstrip the majority of self-healing materials documented to date. Furthermore, the films exhibit remarkable scratch repair proficiency attributed to the abundant hydrogen bonds and dynamically reversible C–N bonds embedded within the polymer network. Upon heating at 85 °C for 6 h without external stimuli, the films exhibited near-complete healing, with a self-healing efficiency reaching up to 71%, accompanied by a strength of 27 MPa and an elongation at break of 309%. Hence, our investigation adeptly achieves a harmonious amalgamation of mechanical prowess and self-healing capacity in polymeric materials, thereby broadening the horizons for research and application of self-healing materials endowed with exceptional mechanical attributes.