Effect of the conversion degree on the healing efficiency of a novel thermally remendable polymer

In this paper, the effect of the conversion degree on the healing efficiency of a remendable polymer which consists of reversible and irreversible bonds was experimentally studied. Using the results of DSC test, an autocatalytic model was fitted to the conversion degree of the reversible part of the polymer cross-links. Then, monomers with the capability of reversible bond forming were blended with monomers of the irreversible hot-cured resin to increase the mechanical properties. Three-point bending samples were fabricated using a certain curing procedure which guarantees the formation of both reversible and irreversible bonds of the polymer. The samples were subjected to three-point bending test up to final failure. Based on the DSC test results and conversion curve, the appropriate time and temperature for healing procedure were selected at different conversion degrees. After healing, the samples were damaged under three-point bending test again. The experimental results showed that in high conversion degree, the healing efficiency increased significantly.

Keywords:

Self-healing polymer , Conversion degree , Healing efficiency