The self-healing polymer investigated in this study is based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and exhibits intrinsic self-repairing capabilities at room temperature. To achieve this self-healing propert..
The self-healing polymer investigated in this study is based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and exhibits intrinsic self-repairing capabilities at room temperature. To achieve this self-healing property, the polymer molecules were end-capped with different alcohols designed to facilitate the formation of hydrogen bonds. These bonds enhance the molecular mobility of the polymer chains, allowing for tunable mechanical properties—ranging from increased rigidity to greater flexibility. To compare the effects of various end-capping molecules, multiple small batches of PDMS were synthesized, each incorporating a different end-capping group. The resulting polymers were then analyzed to observe the differences in their structural and mechanical behavior. This self-healing coating shows significant potential for applications in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).