Dual Dynamic Network Polymer Reinforced Carbon Nanotube Foam With Rapid Self-Healing and Reversible Cycling Capabilities

Abstract

The structural damage of carbon–polymer composites is a significant factor limiting their development and stable application. To solve this problem, polymers with fast self-healing and recyclability were first obtained by introducing dynamic polymer chain segments in different proportions. When the molar ratio of H-linked 2-[[(butylamine)carbonyl]oxy]ethyl ester (PBC) and boric acid ester–linked poly(4-hydroxymethyl) phenylboronic acid (PBA) is 2:1, the highest mechanical strength (2.9 ± 0.2 MPa) and elongation (700%) of the PBC₂-PBA₁ were achieved. Subsequently, the hydroxylated modified carbon nanotube foams (CNTF) were used as templates, which were filled with PBC₂-PBA₁ via a physical impregnation process to prepare CNTF polymer composites (PBC₂-PBA₁/CNTF). When the CNTF content is 13.4 wt%, the composite exhibits high tensile strength of 5.5 MPa, 189% higher than the mechanical strength of PBC₂–PBA₁. Furthermore, it exhibits the self-healing properties were by the recovery of tensile strength (100%), thermal conductivity (98.7%), and electrical conductivity (100%) at –20°C∼100°C. In addition, the composite materials can be recycled and the reassembled material can restore 100% of its original mechanical properties. Therefore, optimization of molecular structure and modification of phase interfaces are the strategies to produce carbon-polymer composites with excellent self-healing and recycling functions.

Keywords

carbon/polymer composites / CNTF / self-healing / thermal conductivity

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2025 The Author(s). SmartMat published by Tianjin University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.