Preparation of supramolecular thermally repairable elastomer by crosslinking of maleated polyethylene-octene elastomer with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole

Abstract

A supramolecular thermally repairable elastomer was prepared by crosslinking of semicrystalline maleated polyethylene-octene elastomer (mPOE) with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA) via melt mixing method. Crosslinking of mPOE with ATA induced supramolecular hydrogen bonding networks; the nature of the networks was affected by the amount of ATA, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, at 3 phr ATA content or above, a small number of ionic domains were observed in the tan curves of dynamic mechanical analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis also showed that the storage modulus increased with increasing ATA content along with increase in the relaxation transition temperature which revealed strengthening of the network structures. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a reduction in melting temperature and degree of crystallinity of the mPOE with increasing ATA content which is attributed to hydrogen bonding networks. The shape memory property of the mPOE matrix imparted a thermal healing capability which was greatly enhanced in the presence of hydrogen bonding networks. The scratch marked on the polymer surface healed within 20 s after being heated at around 80 degrees C. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry