Abstract
The design and synthesis of low molecular weight additives based on self-assembling nitroarylurea units, and their compatibility with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) copolymers are reported. The self-assembly properties of the low molecular weight additives have been demonstrated in a series of gelation studies. Upon blending at low percentage weights (≤5%) with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) the additives were capable of increasing the stress and strain to failure when compared to the parent copolymer. By varying the percentage weight of the additive as well as the type of additive the mechanical properties of poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) could be tailored. Finally, the healability characteristics of the blends were improved when compared to the original polymer via the introduction of a supramolecular ‘network within a network’.
Highlights
In the light of limited petroleum feedstocks, the enhancement of the mechanical properties of known polymeric materials and improvement of polymer-based product lifetimes are key targets in polymer science
The molecular additives were designed to bind via noncovalent interactions with the bulk polymer and to selfassociate in order to create an alternative network to that found in the bulk polymer alone
Carboxylic acids 3–5 were synthesised via a two-step process (Scheme 1), with each respective amine-functionalised diaryl urea being formed from the corresponding aryl isocyanate and p-phenylenediamine.10d,26 The carboxylic acids were generated via a ring opening reaction of the remaining amino group with succinic anhydride
Summary
In the light of limited petroleum feedstocks, the enhancement of the mechanical properties of known polymeric materials and improvement of polymer-based product lifetimes are key targets in polymer science. Mechanical analysis was carried out on blends of pEAA15 and carboxylic acids 1–7 to assess the impact of low molecular weight additives at loading levels of 1 and 5 wt%. Blending of the urea-functionalised carboxylic acid 3 with pEAA15 afforded an increase in the material's tensile strength as well as its uniform strain (Table 2 and Fig. 3).
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