Polymer Testing (Aug 2021)

The time-dependency of the healing behavior of laser-scratched polymer films

  • Marcus Abend,
  • Stefan Zechel,
  • Lukas Tianis,
  • Clemens Kunz,
  • Marcel Enke,
  • Jan Dahlke,
  • Stephan Gräf,
  • Frank A. Müller,
  • Ulrich S. Schubert,
  • Martin D. Hager

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 100
p. 107264

Abstract

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The scratch healing behavior of different polymers based on reversible interactions was investigated. For this purpose, scratches were induced via femtosecond laser ablation and were analyzed using laser-scanning microscopy. The healing process was monitored over time and the residual scratch volume was studied. Thus, healing kinetics of different self-healing polymers were obtained revealing a new three step-healing process. An initial time is required in order to start the crack closure behavior. Afterwards, a fast healing behavior followed by a final slow healing period could be observed. Consequently, this study discloses significant insights into the time-dependent healing behavior of polymeric materials.

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