2024 Volume 97 Issue 8 Pages 238-245
The toughness enhancement and recyclability of elastomers were investigated using polymeric nanoparticles. Rotaxane (RC) as a cross-linker, which consists of one ring and one axial structure, was used to improve toughness. The RC was used to produce acrylic polymeric nanoparticles by mini-emulsion polymerization, and the elastomer film was prepared by removal of water from the aqueous dispersion. It was found that the toughness of the resulting elastomer was improved by adjusting the amount of RC within the polymeric nanoparticles. Tear tests on the resulting elastomer films showed unique crack propagation suppression behavior. While the nanoparticles adhered to each other in the film and the polymer chains penetrated into the nanoparticles to maintain their strength, they were broken down into individual nanoparticles when heated in a solvent. When the volatile components were removed from the nanoparticle dispersion, the elastomer film was regenerated, confirming the recyclability of the material.
