Autonomous Self-Aligned Multilayer Self-Healing Polymers and High Energy Density Artificial Muscle based on Periodic Non-Covalent Dynamic Polymer Networks

Polymer networks formed through dynamic noncovalent or covalent bonds exhibit a range of interesting and tunable mechanical properties (e.g., tough, elastic, self-healable, stimuli-responsive, and reconfigurable). In nature, hierarchically ordered structures are formed through weak but cooperative interactions to perform precise functions. Learning from nature, we designed and investigated flexible polymer chains linked with periodically placed and directional dynamic bonds. Through understanding the structure property relationships, we discovered unique applications of designing such polymers for self-healing electronic materials, “morphing” electronics, artificial muscle and reconfigurable soft robots.