The evolution of self-healing polymers has resulted in a myriad of healing designs that have given way to complex systems capable of supporting multiple cycles, among other features. This progression...
The development of self-healing rubbers is currently
under investigation
as a strategy to promote their reuse and, hence, reduce their waste.
However, autonomous, multicycle self-healing rubbers with good mechanical
properties have so far proven difficult to achieve. Here, mechanically
robust composites based on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and thermally
reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) were successfully designed and prepared
with a high healing efficiency of up to 85% at room temperature without
applying external stimuli. The incorporation of TRGO not only improves
the mechanical performance in more than 100% in relation to pristine
ENR but also promotes the hydrogen bonding interactions with the rubber.
This leads to a homogenous dispersion of TRGO within the ENR matrix,
which further increases its self-healing capability.
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