Self-healing recyclable polymers based on azobenzenes with thermoset like behaviour.

Self-healing materials are considered intelligent materials capable of recovering their original shapes from damaged or distorted forms after exposure to specific stimuli, such as chemicals, heat, moisture, or light. The utilization of thermoreversible crosslinks in polymer networks has garnered increasing interest as a method to create such materials. In these polymers, damage can be repaired simply by heating them above a gel-liquid transition temperature. Upon cooling, the material regains its previous cross-linked properties. However, finding alternative external stimuli other than heat presents an intriguing challenge. Among the various possibilities, light is the preferred choice due to its potential for remote and spatially-controlled activation. Additionally, the process can be easily paused and resumed by turning the excitation light on and off. Furthermore, the photo-switching of the glass transition temperature (Tg) in azobenzene-containing polymers induces reversible transitions from a solid to a liquid state. These reversible trans -to- cis transitions are triggered by UV and visible light irradiation. This phenomenon offers a novel approach to designing healable polymers and allows for precise control over the mechanical properties of polymers with spatio-temporal resolution. The main objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using light as a self-healing trigger in a recyclable polymer based on physically cross-linked epoxy/amine formulations. To achieve this goal, the matrix was modified with 4-phenylazophenol (PAP), which forms homogeneous blends with the polymer through hydrogen bond interactions. Films were prepared and characterized using various experimental techniques. Polymerization kinetics of samples with and without PAP was determined using FTIR, which was also employed for characterizing the final materials. Tg of the resulting products was measured using DSC, revealing a decrease in its value for PAP-modified samples. The transition from a solid to a liquid state during UV light irradiation was observed using rheometric analysis. The reversible photoisomerization behaviour of epoxy/amine/PAP was investigated using UV–visible spectroscopy in films prepared by spin-coating THF solutions. The ability of the material to self-heal at room temperature using light as a remote source was confirmed through TOM (Transmission Optical Microscopy) observations and quantified by profilometric measurements. In addition, surface mechanical properties were evaluated in order to determine the effect of the incorporation of the PAP, and the ability of the repaired material to recover its properties. Promising findings indicate that this recyclable polymer holds significant potential for multiple applications where its self-healing ability will be of great importance. [Display omitted] • Inclusion of PAP in DGEBA-DA polymer permitted the successful preparation of a photoresponsive azobenzene-modified material. • A marked acceleration in the polymerization rate of the PAP-modified sample with respect to the neat polymer is observed. • Photoswitching of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of azobenzene-containing polymers induces reversible solid-to-liquid transitions. • Self-healing can be induced a room temperature in the material, using a remote source as is light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]