In-depth characterization of self-healing polymers based on π–π nteractions
Josefine Meurer, Julian Hniopek, Johannes Ahner, Michael Schmitt, Jürgen Popp, Stefan Zechel, Kalina Peneva, Martin D. Hager
Abstract
The self-healing behavior of two supramolecular polymers based on π-π-interactions featuring different polymer backbones is presented. For this purpose, these polymers were synthesized utilizing a polycondensation of a perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride with polyether-based diamines and the resulting materials were investigated using various analytical techniques. Thus, the molecular structure of the polymers could be correlated with the ability for self-healing. Moreover, the mechanical behavior was studied using rheology. The activation of the supramolecular interactions results in a breaking of these noncovalent bonds, which was investigated using IR spectroscopy, leading to a sufficient increase in mobility and, finally, a healing of the mechanical damage. This scratch-healing behavior was also quantified in detail using an indenter.