Synthesis and characterization of reversible and self-healable networks based on acylhydrazone groups

Dynamic covalent networks based on pentaerythritol tetra(benzohydrazide) and 1,10‐decanediol dibenzaldehyde were prepared, and their swelling and self‐healing properties were investigated. A series of seven dynamic covalent networks based on pentaerythritol tetra(benzohydrazide) and 1,10‐decanediol dibenzaldehyde were prepared in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). The equilibrium degree of swelling in DMF and the sol fraction displayed a minimum at or near the hydrazide–benzaldehyde stoichiometric ratio. The composition of the sol fraction changed according to the feed composition, with the dibenzaldehyde‐rich preparations exhibiting extractables composed of star oligomers based on tetra(benzohydrazide) cores. Finally, network reversibility and self‐healing were demonstrated in the presence of acid. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry