Reinforcement of optically healable supramolecular polymers with cellulose nanocrystals

Souleymane Coulibaly, Anita Roulin, Sandor Balog, Mahesh V. Biyani, E. Johan Foster, Stuart J. Rowan, Gina L. Fiore*, Christoph Weder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report the preparation and characterization of light-healable nanocomposites based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and a metallosupramolecular polymer (MSP) assembled from a telechelic poly(ethylene-co-butylene) that was end-functionalized with 2,6-bis(1′- methylbenzimidazolyl) pyridine (Mebip) ligands and Zn(NTf2) 2. The polymer absorbs incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converts it into heat, which causes dissociation of the metal-ligand motifs. This process liquefies the material, and small defects are readily filled. When the UV light is switched off, the MSP reassembles and the original properties are restored. The introduction of CNCs into the MSP matrix leads to a significant increase of the stiffness and strength, from 52 and 1.7 MPa for the neat polymer to 135 and 5.6 MPa upon introduction of 10% w/w CNCs. The Zn 2+ ions bind to the CNCs which means the metal:ligand ratio of the MSP must be adjusted accordingly. In nanocomposites thus made, deliberately introduced defects can be efficiently healed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)152-160
Number of pages9
JournalMacromolecules
Volume47
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Jan 14
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Inorganic Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reinforcement of optically healable supramolecular polymers with cellulose nanocrystals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this