Recyclable elastomers with high mechanical performance and vibration-damping property via triple dynamic bonds

Abstract

Enhancing the mechanical properties of vibration-damping elastomers with dynamic bonds is crucial for practical applications. Herein, we synthesize recyclable damping elastomers with superior mechanical strength through the incorporation of triple dynamic bonds. Firstly, linear polymers with carboxyl and imidazole groups are fabricated by random copolymerization, which consist of dual dynamic bonds (hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds). Then, 1,4-phenylenediboronic acid is introduced by solution blending and can form boron/nitrogen coordination bonds with imidazole groups, thereby converting dual dynamic bonds into triple dynamic bonds. Therefore, the resulting elastomer exhibits remarkable tensile strength of 16.29 MPa, toughness of 73.53 MJ/m3, and damping properties (maintaining tan δ > 0.3 over a temperature range of 75 °C). Furthermore, owning to the triple dynamic bonds, the elastomer retains exceptional mechanical and vibration-damping properties even after three times of recycling. This work provides a simple strategy to fabricate recyclable elastomers with high mechanical performance and vibration-damping property, which have promising and sustainable potential for practical damping applications.