Self-healing polyester networks prepared from poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene itaconate) and thiol-terminated polyether containing disulfide linkages

Crosslinked polyester films exhibiting disulfide metathesis-driven self-healing were prepared via 1-methylimidazole-mediated thermal thiol-ene reaction of poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene itaconate) (PBSI) and a thiol-terminated polyether (LP-3) containing disulfide linkages at C = C/SH ratios of 2/1, 1/1, and 1/2. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gel fraction measurements of the crosslinked films confirmed the formation of polyester networks via thiol-ene reaction. The 5% weight loss temperature, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength of the crosslinked films increased with increasing PBSI/LP-3 ratio. All crosslinked films exhibited healing properties when hot-pressed at 100 degrees C for 14-24 h. The PBSI/LP-3 crosslinked films exhibited higher healing efficiencies in terms of tensile strength recovery (up to 94.2% at C = C/SH ratio = 1/1) than the crosslinked polyester of PBSI and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethanethiol without disulfide bonds.

Automated summary

Crosslinked polyester films with self-healing properties driven by disulfide metathesis were prepared using 1-methylimidazole-mediated thermal thiol-ene reaction. The ratio of PBSI/LP-3 had an influence on the properties of the crosslinked films, with higher ratios leading to increased 5% weight loss temperature, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength. All crosslinked films exhibited healing properties when hot-pressed, with PBSI/LP-3 films showing higher tensile strength recovery.