Mechanically Robust Dual-Crosslinking Elastomer Enabled by a Facile Self-Crosslinking Approach

Abstract

We propose a simple but rapid strategy to fabricate self-crosslinked dual-crosslinking elastomers (SCDCEs) with high mechanical properties. The SCDCEs are synthesized through one-pot copolymerization of Butyl acrylate (BA), acrylic amide (AM), and 3-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO). Both the amino group on AM and the methoxy group on MEMO can be self-crosslinked after polymerization to form a dual-network crosslink consisting of hydrogen bonds crosslink and Si-O-Si covalent bonds crosslink. The SCDC endow optimal elastomer with high mechanical properties (the tensile strength is 6MPa and elongation at break is 490%) as the hydrogen bonds crosslink can serve as sacrificial construction to dissipate stress energy, while covalent crosslinking networks can ensure the elasticity and strength of the material. These two networks also contribute to the recoverability of the elastomers, leading them to recover their original shape and mechanical properties after being subjected to deformation in a short time.