The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers have been widely studied to understand how network components affect their outstanding mechanical properties. To maximize these advantages, most current studies have focused on modifying the polymer backbone, while the effect of end groups has received limited attention despite their high mobility. Here, we studied how high mobility of end groups affects the supramolecular polymer network. Three different types of end group – a control group, a structure-modifying group, a crosslinking-weakening group, were introduced to the common polymer backbone. Compared to the control group, the structure-modifying group induces microstructural changes in polymer network. With the crosslinking-weakening group, the mechanical properties have been changed. De-crosslinking effect enhances the chain mobility and self-healing performance. This work proposes a new strategy for supramolecular polymers, by controlling dynamicity without modification of the main chain.