Nitroarylurea-terminated supramolecular polymers that exhibit facile thermal repair and aqueous swelling-induced sealing of defects

Baker, B. C., German, I. M., Chippindale, A. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5918-8701, Mcewan, C. E. A., Stevens, G. C., Colquhoun, H. M. and Hayes, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0047-2991 (2018) Nitroarylurea-terminated supramolecular polymers that exhibit facile thermal repair and aqueous swelling-induced sealing of defects. Polymer, 140. pp. 1-9. ISSN 0032-3861 doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.02.029

Abstract/Summary

Bi- and tri-armed polyethylene glycol units endcapped with nitroaryl urea units have been synthesised. These endcapped polymers are able to self-assemble via complementary supramolecular interactions, specifically urea-urea and nitro-urea hydrogen bonding, to afford materials with dramatically increased mechanical and thermal properties when compared to those of the uncapped polyethylene glycol precursors. Thin films of the capped polymeric systems are able to self-repair following defect creation. Control over the mechanical and thermal characteristics (in terms of bulk viscosity) of the self-assembled networks was achieved by varying the proportion of tri-armed to bi-armed self-assembly units included in the polymer. These systems demonstrate water absorption and swelling capabilities that are also controllable by varying the ratio of the two types of unit. These physical properties have been optimised to realise a secondary pathway to puncture-repair as a result of swelling on water contact.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/75554
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.polymer.2018.02.029
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
Publisher	Elsevier
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