Self-healing of polymers using atmospheric gases is reported for the first time. When methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (MGP) molecules are reacted with hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HDI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form crosslinked MGP-polyurethane (PUR) networks (MGP-PUR), these materials are capable of self-repairing. This process does not occur in the presence of other gases, but requires atmospheric levels of CO<sub>2 </sub>and H<sub>2</sub>O, thus resembling plant’s behavior during photosynthesis. Molecular processes responsible for this unique self-repair process requires orchiestrated physical diffusion of cleaved network segments accompanied by chemical reactions leading the formation of carbonate and urethane linkages. Unlike plants, MGP-PUR networks require no photo-initiated reactions, thus are capable of repairs in darkness under atmospheric conditions. Mechnistic aspects of processes responsible for self-repair will be discussed.

Self-repairable polymeric networks that consume carbon dioxide and water

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.