Oberhausen, Bastian

► Research

Synthesis of self-healing inorganic-organic-nanocomposites
The chemical design of intrinsic self-healing materials allows the optimization of healing rates whilst retaining the desired material properties. In the research project novel nanocomposites are investigated, in which reversible chemical interactions between the inorganic nanoparticles and the polymer matrix enhance self-healing properties. The reversibility is provided by Diels-Alder chemistry (DA), ionic or hydrogen bonds or combinations of multiple of these bonding types. As an external trigger for the self-healing process serves radiation in form of heat or light. A homogeneous incorporation of the particles into the polymer system is achieved by surface functionalization. Previous work has shown that both the matrix as well as the particle properties play a crucial role in the self-healing process. Typically functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, spherosilicates or inorganic nanoparticles are used as the inorganic component. These can decisively influence the thermal and mechanical stability of the material. The project focuses on superparamagnetic iron oxide particles that generate the necessary heat for self-healing in response to the exposure to an alternating electromagnetic field. This allows for selective and even heating at the defect site. In the project different surface functionalizations of the Iron oxide particles are compared and the healing ability of the material is improved through chemical design.