Phys.org February 28, 2022
Previously researchers in Japan synthesized multiblock copolymers that exhibited excellent elasticity and self-healing by using the two-component copolymerization of non-polar ethylene and polar methoxyaryl-substituted propylenes. Now they have developed a three-component ‘terpolymer’ of ethylene and two different methoxyaryl-functionalized propylenes using a scandium catalyst. The long, soft sections form a highly flexible matrix, within which are hard and crystalline sections that rapidly re-aggregate after the material is cut, thereby self-healing any damage within five minutes to recover 99% of its toughness and 97% of its tensile strength. The material could be stretched to almost 14 times its original length before breaking. According to the researchers increasing the structural complexity of polymers offers great promise for developing new materials with novel or improved properties… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2021)Â