Inducing hardening and healability in poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) via blending with complementary low molecular weight additives

Baker, B. C., German, I., Stevens, G. C., Colquhoun, H. M. and Hayes, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0047-2991 (2018) Inducing hardening and healability in poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) via blending with complementary low molecular weight additives. RSC Advances, 72 (8). pp. 41445-41453. ISSN 2046-2069 doi: 10.1039/C8RA09597C

Abstract/Summary

The design and synthesis of low molecular weight additives based on self-assembling nitroarylurea units, and their compatibility with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) copolymers are reported. The self-assembly properties of the low molecular weight additives have been demonstrated in a series of gelation studies. Upon blending at low percentage weights (≤ 5%) with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) the additives were capable of increasing the stress and strain to failure when compared to the parent copolymer. By varying the percentage weight of the additive as well as the type of additive the mechanical properties of poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) could be tailored. Finally, the healability characteristics of the blends were improved when compared to the original polymer via the introduction of a supramolecular ‘network within a network’.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/80966
Identification Number/DOI	10.1039/C8RA09597C
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
Publisher	Royal Society of Chemistry
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