基于类Vitrimer弹性颗粒隔离结构的功能橡胶复合材料研究

Based on the combination of unique high elasticity of rubber and different functionalities，functional elastomers have found numerous applications in diverse areas. However, it remains a huge challenge to fabricate functional elastomers with excellent functionality and high mechanical performance via simple yet efficient methods. In this proposal, “vitrimer-like” rubber-based particles are introduced to construct segregated network of functional fillers in general-purpose rubber composites. “Vitrimer-like” rubber-based particles have advantages as follows: they have volume exclusion effect, enabling selective distribution of functional fillers to form segregated network; They have exchangeable reactivity, which allows the interfacial reactions between rubber matrix and themselves; They can reinforce rubber as fillers. The present proposal aims to use straightforward rubber processing techniques to fabricate functional rubber composites combined with high mechanical performance and excellent functionality at low filler content. The main research aspects include: (1) Accurate design and fabrication of segregated filler network based on “vitrimer-like” rubber-based particles; (2) Investigation on the structure and performance of functional rubber composites; (3) Relationship between structure and properties, and the applications of the resulting rubber nanocomposites. The present proposal is envisioned to offer a novel methodology to avoid the complicated preparation and environmental pollution caused by previous strategies and provides new opportunities for the design and preparation of functional rubber materials. The studies are believed to be of great scientific and practical significance.

功能弹性体材料兼具独特的高弹性和功能特性，在众多领域有着关键应用。但如何通过简单高效的方法制备兼具高力学性能和优异功能特性的功能弹性体仍是个巨大的挑战。本项目提出将具有“类玻璃高分子”（Vitrimer）特性的弹性颗粒引入传统橡胶复合体系中，以构建填料隔离结构的设计思路。类Vitrimer弹性颗粒具有如下几个优点：具有体积排除效应，能使填料选择性分布形成隔离网络；具有交换反应性，能与橡胶基体发生界面交联反应，形成良好的界面；具有增强作用。基于常规加工工艺，本项目拟在低填充下实现橡胶的高性能化和功能化。主要研究内容包括：（1）基于类Vitrimer弹性颗粒隔离网络的功能橡胶材料的设计与制备；（2）功能橡胶材料的结构与性能研究；（3）基于构效关系的机理研究及应用初探。上述研究将为制备兼具高力性能和优异功能特性的弹性体材料提供新的科学基础和技术路线，具有重要的科学意义和现实意义。

功能弹性体材料兼具高弹性和功能特性，在众多领域有着关键应用。但如何通过简单高效的方法制备兼具高力学性能和优异功能特性的功能弹性体仍是个巨大的挑战。本项目提出将具有“类玻璃高分子”（Vitrimer）特性的弹性颗粒引入传统橡胶复合体系中，以构建填料隔离结构的设计思路。类Vitrimer弹性颗粒具有如下几个优点：具有体积排除效应，能使填料选择性分布形成隔离网络；具有交换反应性，能与橡胶基体发生界面交联反应，形成良好的界面；具有增强作用。基于常规加工工艺，本项目拟在低填充下实现橡胶的高性能化和功能化。主要研究内容包括：开展类Vitrimer弹性颗粒的制备工艺优化及界面反应性研究；基于不同填料（碳纳米管，氮化硼和氧化石墨烯）发展几种典型的高性能功能弹性体复合材料；揭示填料隔离网络构筑的机理与影响因素；探讨了功能橡胶复合材料的结构调控、构-效关系和应用研究。此外，直接采用类Vitrimer弹性颗粒交联橡胶可构建气体曲折扩散路径。基于良好的界面反应，橡胶材料的气体阻隔性能和力学性能大幅提高。同时通过正电子湮没测试和物理模型拟合揭示了该体系下的气体扩散行为。本项目提出基于类Vitrimer弹性颗粒在橡胶复合材料中构筑隔离网络，简单高效，具有可放大生产的应用潜力，为制备兼具高力性能和优异功能特性的弹性体材料提供新的科学基础和技术路线，具有重要的科学意义和现实意义。