3D Printable Modular Soft Elastomers from Physically Cross-linked Homogeneous Associative Polymers.

ABSTRACT: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of elastomers enables the fabrication of many technologically important structures and devices. However, there remains a critical need for the development of reprocessable, solvent-free, soft elastomers that can be printed without the need for post-treatment. Herein, we report modular soft elastomers suitable for direct ink writing (DIW) printing by physically cross-linking associative polymers with a high fraction of reversible bonds. We designed and synthesized linear-associative-linear (LAL) triblock copolymers; the middle block is an associative polymer carrying amide groups that form double hydrogen bonding, and the end blocks aggregate to hard glassy domains that effectively act as physical cross-links. The amide groups do not aggregate to nanoscale cl

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11010250 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature