Preparation and Characterization of an Ionomeric Self-Healing Poly(Epichlorohydrin) With Different Approaches

This study investigates the successful modification of epichlorohydrin-based rubbers by incorporating phenol sulfonate, butyl imidazole, and sodium azide via chemical modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) analyses were utilized to characterize the structural changes and chemical interactions induced by the additives. The objective was to enhance the polymer's mechanical and thermal properties while imparting self-healing capabilities. Post-modification, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed significant improvements in thermal stability. Stress-strain analysis revealed increased tensile strength and elongation at break, demonstrating enhanced elasticity and resilience, with a 150% improvement in tensile strength and 80% elongation at break, indicating superior elasticity. Notably, the modified rubbers exhibited autonomous self-repair within 24 h after mechanical damage, attributed to dynamic bonds π − π interaction and hydrogen bonding networks. These advancements, supported by microscopic evaluations, highlight the potential of tailored epichlorohydrin-based rubbers for applications in durable coatings, aerospace seals, and adaptive industrial materials requiring resilience under extreme conditions.