Polymer materials such as rubber, plastic, and fiber are light, soft, and relatively easy to manufacture, and are indispensable materials for daily life.However, in recent years, environmental pollution caused by waste plastics and depletion of resources as raw materials have become problems, and there is a demand for toughening and extending the life of polymer materials.

　The research group synthesizes two types of polymer compounds, a host polymer and a guest polymer, and mixes them with a general mixing device (planetary ball mill), so that the two types of polymers have a weak intermolecular force (host-). A supramolecular material combined by guest interaction) was obtained.At this time, it was discovered that the supramolecular material obtained becomes stronger by giving a stronger mixing force.

　When a coating film is made from this material and scratches are made on the surface, the scratches disappear in a few seconds.Supramolecular materials can repair wounds and self-repair like life because host-guest interactions can adhere and separate multiple times between molecules in a polymer.In addition, even if the material was completely broken apart, the material could be regenerated and used in its original form by performing the mixing treatment again, and the strength was restored.

　The method of mixing the two types of polymers shown this time is very simple and greatly promotes the practical application of supramolecular materials.It is versatile as a surface protection coat for machines, electronic devices, automobiles, aircraft, and robots.It is expected that supramolecular materials will spread to society, and by making polymer materials longer in life and maintenance-free, it will lead to the solution of various social issues including environmental problems.

Paper information:[Advanced Materials] Extremely Rapid Self-Healable and Recyclable Supramolecular Materials through Planetary Ball Milling and Host-Guest Interactions