Self-healing hyperbranched polytriazoles prepared by metal-free click polymerization of propiolate and azide monomers

The last decade has witnessed the quick develop of self-healing materials. As a newborn strategy, the alternative of irreversible covalent bond formation is, however, to be further developed. In this paper, self-healing hyperbranched poly(aroxycarbonyltriazole) based on such mechanism were prepared by our developed metal-free click polymerization of simplified dipropiolate and triazide. Thanks to their excellent processability and film-forming ability, high quality homogeneous films free from defects were obtained by casting. The cut films could be healed by stacking or pressing the halves together at room temperature and elevated temperature. Thus, this design concept for self-healing materials should be generally applicable to other hyperbranched polymers with reactive groups on their peripheries.