Researchers have developed a polymer composite that simultaneously dampens vibrations and senses strain through changes in electrical resistance. The material uses a thermoplastic polyurethane matrix embedded with UPy (2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone) units, which form reversible quadruple hydrogen bonds that can break and reform under stress.
This supramolecular structure allows the composite to dissipate mechanical energy while maintaining a self-healing capacity. To create a stable conductive network for sensing, the team incorporated two fillers: modified silica and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
A key challenge was balancing the molecular mobility needed for damping with the stable conductive pathways required for reliable piezoresistive sensing. The researchers addressed this by engineering the filler connectivity within the dynamic polymer matrix.
In cyclic testing at 50% strain, the composite retained approximately 92% of its sensing response after 10,000 cycles. The study also produced a predictive model linking filler connectivity and molecular bonding to the material's mechanical and electrical performance.
The work is published in the International Journal of Materials and Product Technology. The authors suggest the approach could enable materials that suppress vibration while monitoring structural deformation in demanding engineering applications.
The research was conducted by Xuan Wang and colleagues. The journal article is available via DOI: 10.1504/ijmpt.2026.155365.
Self-healing composite retains 92% sensing response after 10,000 strain cycles
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