Self-healing behaviour of furan–maleimide poly(ionic liquid) covalent adaptable networks

Poly(ionic liquid) covalently adaptable networks containing thermoreversible furan–maleimide linkages were prepared and characterized for their thermal, mechanical and conductive properties. Self-healing behaviour was initially evaluated using oscillatory rheology where a G′/G′′ crossover temperature of ∼110 °C was observed. Anhydrous conductivities, as determined by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, were found to be on the order of 10⁻⁸ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C. Recovery of >70% of the original stress and strain at break was found within 2 hours at 105 °C as determined from tensile testing experiments, with breakage occurring at a new point on the film. Recovery of conductivity was completed utilizing chronoamperometric cycling whereby >75% of the original current was recovered within two hours at 110 °C.