Abstract
Photo-responsive materials have garnered significant interest for their ability to react to non-contact stimuli, though achieving self-healing under gentle conditions remains an elusive goal. In this research, an innovative and straightforward approach for synthesizing silicone elastomers is proposed that not only self-heal at room temperature but also possess unique photochromic properties and adjustable mechanical strength, along with being both transparent and reprocessable. Initially, aldehyde-bifunctional dithiophene-ethylene molecules with dialdehyde groups (DTEM) and isocyanurate (IPDI) is introduced into the aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (H2N-PDMS-NH2) matrix. Subsequently, palladium is incorporated to enhance coordination within the matrix. These silicone elastomers transition to a blue state under 254nm UV light and revert to transparency under 580nm light. Remarkably, they demonstrate excellent thermal stability at temperatures up to 100°C and show superior fatigue resistance. The optical switching capabilities of the silicone elastomers significantly affect both their mechanical characteristics and self-healing abilities. Notably, the PDMS-DTEM-IPDI-@Pd silicone elastomer, featuring closed-loop photo-switching molecules, exhibits a fracture toughness that is 1.3 times greater and a room temperature self-healing efficiency 1.4 times higher than its open-loop counterparts. This novel photo-responsive silicone elastomer offers promising potential for applications in data writing and erasure, UV protective coatings, and micro-trace development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
