Mechanically robust and self‐healing waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites based on inorganic organic hybrid materials and reversible covalent interaction

Abstract

Endowing waterborne polyurethane (WPU) materials with mechanically reinforced and self‐healing property is a pressing issue for expanding practical applications. In this article, we proposed a simple method to give WPU with self‐healing properties while improving the mechanical properties. First, furfuryl‐modified silica nanoparticles (furan@SiO2) with high functionality and excellent dispersibility were prepared by the sol–gel method. Furan@SiO2 was then introduced into the side‐hanging maleimide WPU to form a thermally reversible inorganic–organic network (WMSPUS‐x) based on the Diels‐Alder reaction. The morphologies and properties of furan@SiO2 and WMSPUS‐x emulsions were analyzed by TEM and DLS, demonstrating the excellent dispersion of furan@SiO2 and the storage stability of emulsions. The cross‐linking density of the nanocomposites was varied by the furan@SiO2 contents, and the effects of cross‐linking density on mechanical and self‐healing properties were systematically investigated. In addition, the thermal stability of WMSPUS‐x nanocomposites was significantly improved shown by TGA results. Finally, qualitative and quantitative studies of the self‐healing process were carried out to verify that WMSPUS‐x nanocomposites possess great self‐healing capacity. The outcomes indicate that WMSPUS‐x nanocomposites have great potential for application as a smart material.

Effect of fillers on the microphase separation in polyurethane composites: A review

“…Among the commonly used inorganic fillers, SiO 2 nanoparticles have the advantages of small particle size, large specific surface area, high hardness, low refractive index, and commercial availability 29–31 . SiO 2 nanoparticles can improve PU's mechanical properties, thermal stability, shape memory behavior, and gas permeability 32–34 . Many studies have shown that the silanol (Si‐OH) groups on the SiO 2 surface affect the microphase separation of PU/SiO 2 composites because these groups may interact with HSs or SSs of PU matrix 10,13,29,31,35 …”

“…[29][30][31] SiO 2 nanoparticles can improve PU's mechanical properties, thermal stability, shape memory behavior, and gas permeability. [32][33][34] Many studies have shown that the silanol (Si-OH) groups on the SiO 2 surface affect the microphase separation of PU/SiO 2 composites because these groups may interact with HSs or SSs of PU matrix. 10,13,29,31,35 In the study of Sadeghi et al, 36 polyether-based PU/SiO 2 nanocomposite membranes were prepared through solution blending and casting.…”

Rheological properties and aging resistance of self‐healing polyurea elastomer modified asphalt

“…[8][9][10] This self-healing asphalt without the use of microwave heating and microcapsule technology has the advantages of energy conservation, repeatability, and efficient healing. 11,12 Previous research focused on the impact of dynamic chemical bonds on the self-healing performance of asphalt, while neglecting the rheological properties of this polymer modified asphalt. 13 The rheological properties of asphalt directly affect the high-and low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance of asphalt pavement during service.…”

“…Polyurethane (PU) modifiers containing dynamic chemical bond (disulfide bond or selenium bond) have been proved to be able to effectively improve the self‐healing ability of asphalt binder 8–10 . This self‐healing asphalt without the use of microwave heating and microcapsule technology has the advantages of energy conservation, repeatability, and efficient healing 11,12 . Previous research focused on the impact of dynamic chemical bonds on the self‐healing performance of asphalt, while neglecting the rheological properties of this polymer modified asphalt 13 .…”

Well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate) hybrid titanium dioxide via miniemulsion polymerization: Design and evaluation of methylene blue dye degradation and antibacterial

“…Due to the intensive development and popularization of hybrid polymer materials in the past decades, novel hybrid polymers have found applications in diverse fields such as polymer technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. [1][2][3][4] Manufacturers can fabricate new hybrid polymer materials that combine unique characteristics of different substances using both organic and inorganic materials. 5,6 This opens avenues for a variety of applications leveraging the photocatalytic, antibacterial, and self-cleaning properties of hybrid polymers, [7][8][9][10][11][12] which attracts significant research attention.…”