Research Progress in Intrinsic Self-healing Polyurethane Materials Based on Dynamic Reversible Non-covalent Bonds

Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer with great capabilities like high elasticity, low-temperature resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, it will inevitably be damaged in processing or long-term use, which will shorten the service life of the material and increase the potential safety hazards. The widespread use of polyurethanes has given researchers more motivation to make polyurethanes self-healing, thereby eliminating material damage and potential safety hazards to a certain extent. This paper mainly reviews the self-healing mechanism and the research progress of intrinsic self-healing polyurethanes based on dynamic reversible non-covalent bonds, including H-bonding, metal-ligand, π-π and host-guest interactions. This paper holds that the non-covalent self-healing polyurethane can repair cracks repeatedly without adding a repair agent by introducing the above non-covalent reversible bonds into the polyurethane with good mechanical properties. Various types of reversible bonds provide a variety of options for self-healing. In addition, through the research on the preparation, mechanical properties, and self-healing ability of various self-healing polyurethanes, this paper summarizes and analyzes the prospect and existing problems of self-healing polyurethanes. In the future, researchers should focus on solving the existing deficiencies. This paper looks forward to finding a better scheme to improve the performance of self-healing polyurethanes and preparing ideal self-healing polyurethane materials that appear in the public’s field of vision. This paper is written to provide help for the research of self-healing PU and accelerate the transformation of the world to green development.

Smart healable polyurethanes: sustainable problem solvers based on constitutional dynamic chemistry

“…Up to now, such robust yet healable PUs have been widely synthesized via some distinct strategies, including the incorporation of thermodynamically stable yet kinetically active supramolecular interactions, design of special molecular structures to inhibit crystallization, and regulation of the micro- or nano-structure of the dynamic hard domains. 23 In the following discussion, we will elaborate some advanced strategies related to the design and synthesis of robust yet healable PUs based on different supramolecular interactions.…”

“…With the development of supramolecular chemistry, researchers have found that supramolecular interactions possess a fantastic dynamic exchange ability attributed to their low bonding energy. 23 Especially, supramolecular interactions are particularly appropriate for healable systems in which no additional stimuli are required. Moreover, they are capable of associating many times under ambient conditions or confined energy input.…”

A self‐healing polymer electrolyte based on the Diels–Alder reaction in lithium‐ion batteries

“…Furthermore, polyurethane with a specific polyphase structure was chosen as the substrate for the polymer electrolyte. Polyurethane, 36,37 known for its exceptional properties such as high elasticity, high‐temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and ease of processing, has been widely recognized by researchers as a promising material for future polymer electrolytes. The soft chain segment facilitates the conduction of lithium ions, whereas the hard chain segment widens the electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte 38–40 .…”

High strength, self-healing sensitive ionogel sensor based on MXene/ionic liquid synergistic conductive network for human-motion detection

“…[23][24][25][26][27] According to the repair type, self-healing materials can be categorized as extrinsic and intrinsic self-healing materials. 28 Extrinsic self-healing generally involves the release of catalysts and monomers stored in capsules or vessels immediately after the material is damaged. 29 After mixing, they begin to polymerize for the purpose of healing the cut.…”