2022 journal article
Dynamics of dual-junction-functionality associative polymer networks with ion and nanoparticle metal-coordinate cross-link junctions
JOURNAL OF RHEOLOGY, 66(6), 1333–1345.
author keywords: Associative polymers; Dual networks; Metal-coordination; Viscoelasticity; Self-healing
open access via sor.scitation.org (publisher PDF)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: December 12, 2022
We provide a canonical introduction to dual-junction-functionality associative polymer networks, which combine high and low functionality (f) dynamic cross-link junctions to impart load-bearing, dissipation, and self-repairing ability to the network. This unique type of network configuration offers an alternative to traditional dual-junction networks consisting of covalent and reversible cross-links. The high-f junctions can provide load-bearing abilities similar to a covalent cross-link while retaining the ability to self-repair and concurrently confer stimuli-responsive properties arising from the high-f junction species. We demonstrate the mechanical properties of this design motif using metal-coordinating polymer hydrogel networks, which are dynamically cross-linked by different ratios of metal nanoparticle (high-f) and metal ion (low-f) cross-link junctions. We also demonstrate the spontaneous self-assembly of nanoparticle-cross-linked polymers into anisotropic sheets, which may be generalizable for designing dual-junction-functionality associative networks with low volume fraction percolated high-f networks.