Polyacrylic Acid-Based Coordination Supramolecular Elastomer with High Strength, Excellent Fatigue-Resistance, and Self-Recovery Properties

Supramolecular elastomers have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. Herein, inspired by the concept of a dual cross-linked network structure, a dual-component coordination supramolecular elastomer is prepared via photopolymerization of three monomers combined with zinc ion (Zn 2+ )-crosslinked low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (PAA). The covalent network of three monomers serves as a soft component forming the supporting network. The network of Zn 2+ crosslinked low molecular weight PAA forms the hard component. The covalent network is crosslinked and locked by the coordinated network. This compact network contributes to improving the comprehensive mechanical properties. The optimal elastomer is that the molar ratio of carboxylic of low molecular weight PAA with Zn 2+ is 1:0.5. The tensile and compression stress of the optimal elastomer are 4.08 and 6.90 MPa, respectively. The loading–unloading cycles can reach 1000 times without fracture. The self-recovery ratios of the tensile and compression modes reaches 80% and 95%, respectively.