Project Details
Projekt
Improved healing potential of polymers containing double reversible non-covalent interactions: Linking molecular reversibility and macroscale healing
Applicants
Professor Dr. Jürgen Popp; Professor Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert; Professor Dr. Sybrand van der Zwaag
Subject Area
Polymer Materials
Term
from 2011 to 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 202599450
The introduction of supramolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand interactions, ionic interactions) is a promising concept for self-healing polymers due to the high reversibility of these bonds. In this context, the project aims at combining, for the first time, two non-covalent interactions within one polymer system to create a self-healing material. For this purpose, the synthesis and characterization of three classes of polymers of expected high potential for self-healing will be performed: (i) of polymers containing negatively charged monomers (with small molar mass cationic counterions, ionomers), (ii) of polymers containing positively charged metal complexes (with small molar mass anionic counterions, reversible metallo-supramolecular polymers), and (iii) of polymer networks containing both the positively charged metal complexes and the anionic counterions. The properties and self-healing features of the three material classes will be investigated in detail using temperature changes as main trigger, besides irradiation by light and the application of redox-active metal complexes. The self-healing properties will be tailored by variation of the kind of the used metal-complex as well as the ratio and content of metal complexes and anionic monomers within the polymer system. The kinetics and degree of healing will be determined for both surface damage (scratches) and polymerpolymer interfaces (cracks). In order to design the material combinations and to understand the selfhealing processes, modelling and simulation will be integral parts of the project.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
International Connection
Netherlands
Participating Person
Dr. Santiago Garcia
