Design of self-healing biodegradable polymers

Abstract A biodegradable thermoplastic polymer has been formulated by solubilizing Murexide (M) salts in a commercial vinyl alcohol copolymer (HVA). The employed as self-healing filler with the aim to impart auto-repair ability material. Three different percentages (1, 3, and 5 mass%) of have solubilized HVA evaluate effect concentration on thermal properties resulting polymeric materials. samples thermally characterized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Thermogravimetric Analyses (TGA), while their evaluated through estimation storage modulus recovery, measured Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). results DSC analysis highlighted that increase amount anticipates events such glass transition, crystallization melting. TGA measurements evidenced that, although there is reduction stability materials presence high M, still remains stable up 270 °C. Healing efficiency higher than 80%, at temperature beyond 60 °C, detected for loaded 3 mass% Murexide, thus confirming efficacy this compound an agent relationship between its amount. For lower 70 healing tests, carried out values tensile deformation frequency, frequency-dependent efficiency. This dependence becomes negligible temperatures which approaches value 100%.