Stiffness Reinforcement in Polymer Networks Through Supramolecular Topological Linking
Abstract
ABSTRACT Polymer networks possess numerous elastically defective and isolated loops, which do not contribute to mechanical stiffness. In this report, we introduce a strategy of supramolecular topological linking to access stiffer‐yet‐ductile polymeric materials through incorporation of supramolecular tetravalent crosslinkers. Dynamic dissociation/re‐association between these high‐functionality crosslinks enables the formation of topologically‐linked loops that serve as elastic springs to stiffen the networks. An exceptional scaling exponent of 2.05 for Young's modulus versus crosslinker concentration is obtained, exceeding most reported randomly‐crosslinked polymeric systems. Compared to conventional analogs, the mechanical properties of the resultant materials are enhanced: Young's modulus (2‐fold), elongation at break (8‐fold), and work of fracture (100‐fold). Uplifting modulus scalings through supramolecular topological linking paves a new path to the design of stiffness‐reinforced soft materials, holding substantial promise in load‐bearing application scenarios such as tissue implants, bioelectronic interfaces, and soft robotics.
Article Details
Authors (23)
Bohang Wu
Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Peking University Beijing China
Junting Huang
Chengyu Zeng
Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Republic of Singapore
Mingxin Zhong
Research School of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering Jiangsu University Zhenjiang China
Qin Ding
Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Peking University Beijing China
Du Wang
Jingzhou Wang
Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 213 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
Zixiang Zhou
Hubei Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Optoelectronic Materials and Devices
Tong Wu
Xinling Wang
Hui Li
Dan Xing
Jianhao Lin
Arthritis Clinical and Research Center Peking University People's Hospital Beijing P. R. China
Yiheng Wu
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy
Yuwei Gu
Shixian Lv
Yuchong Yang
Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry
Yang Jiao
Guanglu Wu
State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry
Jasper van der Gucht
Martien A. Cohen Stuart
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter Wageningen University & Research Wageningen the Netherlands
Tongfan Hao
Research School of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering Jiangsu University Zhenjiang China
Zehuan Huang
Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.