Schuetz et al. describe polycyclic polymers with shape regeneration and healing properties.
Polycyclic polymers based on cyclic (ABC)n-multiblock-copolymers are formed via stepwise polymerization of three individual blocks and exploiting the ring merging reaction of these ring polymers. The so-obtained precursor ring-polymers were interconnected via click reaction. Small blocks within the rings with the ability to form self-complementary hydrogen bonds lead to intra- and intermolecular links between polycyclic polymers. The obtained materials, which mimic nature’s paragon Titin, have some extraordinary material properties concerning elasticity and energy dissipation.
Titin-mimicking polycyclic polymers with shape regeneration and healing properties by Jan-Hendrik Schuetz, Peng Wentao and Philipp Vana, Polym. Chem., 2015,6, 1714-1726.
Remzi Becer is a web-writer and Advisory Board member for Polymer Chemistry. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Materials Science and the director of the Polymer Science and Nanotechnology masters programme at Queen Mary, University of London. Visit www.becergroup.com for more information.
