High-efficiency self-healing materials based on supramolecular polymer networks

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers, a combination of secondary interactions and a polymer material, can be used to control supramolecular self-assembly in a polymeric matrix; these materials exhibit unique stimuli-responsiveness and self-healing properties making them highly attractive for various applications. Herein, we developed a novel supramolecular poly-urea containing a urea–cytosine (UrCy) quadruple hydrogen bonding moiety that undergoes a dynamic healing mechanism, “supramolecular polymer networks (SPN)”, and rapidly repairs after damage under mild conditions. Interestingly, this newly-developed material can also self-heal at room temperature without external intervention, as evidenced by repeated restoration of mechanical properties. Given its simplicity, efficiency and reliability, this material offers a unique paradigm for developing SPN-based self-healing materials.