Sustainable Multiple- and Multistimulus-Shape-Memory and Self-Healing Elastomers with Semi-interpenetrating Network Derived from Biomass via Bulk Radical Polymerization

Chuanwei Lu, Yupeng Liu, Xiaohuan Liu, Chunpeng Wang, Jifu Wang, Fuxiang Chu

Index: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b00329

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Abstract

Sustainable shape-memory and self-healing elastomers with semi-interpenetrating network were prepared by a simple, efficient, and green bulk radical polymerization of ethyl cellulose, furfural, and fatty-acid-derived monomers. This approach could in situ one-pot form a semi-interpenetrating network elastomer with properties combining multiple-shape-memory and self-healing under solvent-free conditions. These elastomers were found to possess excellent multiple-shape-memory properties toward temperature, water, THF, and methanol. Moreover, the multiple-shape-memory properties could assist the self-healing of these elastomers, which was triggered by heating. Self-healing behavior studies showed that the presence of linear polymers in these elastomers could significantly improve the self-healing performance. This work provides a facile, efficient, and green approach in a solvent-free system to design new-generation sustainable, green, and functional materials.