Strengthened, Self-Healing, and Conductive ENR-Based Composites Based on Multiple Hydrogen Bonding Interactions

Abstract

Endowing conductive composites with good self-healing properties is of great significance for improving the stability and extending the service life of the material. However, it is still a challenge to prepare conductive composites that exhibit both desirable mechanical strength and excellent self-healing properties. Herein, we report a simple method to fabricate a kind of material with excellent self-healing properties and satisfactory mechanical strength and conductivity performance. Nanochitin (CNC), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as reinforcing fillers and filled into epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) through latex mixing. In particular, CNCs, CMCS, and CNT fillers were selectively dispersed among ENR latex particles. A filler frame network structure based on multiple hydrogen bonding interactions was constructed in the rubber matrix, which significantly improved the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites. Furthermore, the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds in the composites endowed the rubber with excellent self-healing properties, achieving the highest healing efficiency of 91%. This work provides a novel and simple strategy to prepare conductive composites with excellent mechanical and self-healing properties.