Significant advances in stimuli-responsive materials in general, and polymers in particular, have shown how reversible and irreversible chemical reactions can be utilized to repair mechanically damaged polymer networks. Although the role of shape memory effects (SME) in polymers is intuitively appreciated, quantitative aspects and the role of SME on self-healing has not been addressed. In this presentation we will address the impact of localized chemical events synchronized with nano-, micro- and higher length scale repairs in which SMEs play a key role. The proposed approach encompass the maximum strain (εmax), stress (σSF at εmax), and energy storage by taking inot account physical polymer architecture, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and viscoelastic behavior, thus allowing quantitative assessments of the SME and its role on chemcial processes responsible for covalent rebonding during self-healing.

Shape memory in self-healing polymers: Synchronized physico-chemical events

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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