2017 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 122-127
Diblock copolymers consisting of a homopolymer of a amide functionalized norbornene, PA, and a random copolymer of a flexible dodecanyl norbornene and A, P(D-r-A), were prepared and characterized. These block copolymers showed higher toughness than those of simple block copolymers, PD-b-PA, and random copolymers, P(D-r-A). The toughening is attributed to the microphase separated structure composed of spherical domains of PA blocks with dense hydrogen bonds surrounded by a soft matrix of P(D-r-A) block. The sparse hydrogen bonds in the matrix act as dynamic crosslinks, serving as sacrificial bonds to toughen the polymer. Self-healing ability was also confirmed in this copolymer.
