Tough double-network elastomers with slip-rings

Abstract

High strength and ductility materials are in demand for various modern applications. In order to surmount the inherent trade-off between toughness and stiffness for most elastomers, we developed a strategy which let two polymer networks form an interpenetrated structure through introducing slip-rings by a very simple one-step synthesis method. The synergistic effect of the slip-rings and the double network structure make the resulting materials (SRDN elastomers) both tough and stiff. The fracture stress is up to 11 MPa. The maximum fracture strain is 1600%. Furthermore, the SRDN elastomers show good tear resistance and fracture energy of up to 66.3 kJ m⁻² and 79.3 MJ m⁻³, respectively. In addition, the SRDN elastomers show self-healing properties similar to those of the PHEA elastomer, since the slip effect imparts good chain mobility to the material. This research provides a facile approach to fabricate super tough and stiff elastomers with self-healing ability.