We have recently developed a novel type of polymer network called <i>slide-ring materials</i> (SRM) by cross-linking polyrotaxane, the supramolecular architecture with topological characteristics. The structure and physical properties of the polymeric materials are drastically different from conventional cross-linked or noncross-linked materials. The concept of the slide-ring materials can be applied to polymer composites containing and inorganic filler as shown in Fig. 1. In practice, SRM prepared as dielectric elastomer materials were found to exhibit high dielectric constants, low elastic moduli, and high electromechanical sensitivity due to their special structural characteristics. A high actuated strain (26%) at a relatively low electric field (12 kV/mm) is obtained on the circular membrane actuator without any pre-strains, much more excellent than those of other dielectric elastomers reported in the literature. On the other hand, we have developed a thermally conductive flexible elastomer as a composite material with SRM and boron nitride (BN) particles surface-modified via plasma in solution.&lt;span style="font-size:10.8333px"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;This composite shows excellent properties as a flexible insulator for thermal management. Surface modification of BN particles using plasma in solution increases the tensile strength, extension ratio at break, toughness, and rubber characteristics of the composites, compared to SR and non-modified BN, while the Young's modulus values are identical. Finally, I would like to introduce ImPACT (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies) program, which is promoting to create flexible and tough polymers by using the slide-ring materials as a key technology.

Tough composite with slide-ring materials

256th National Meeting (2018)

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