Preparation and Performance Study of Polyurethane/Epoxy Resin Interpenetrating Networks with Self‐Healing, Shape Memory, and High Damping Properties

Abstract Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) possessing a wide damping temperature range are commonly employed as damping materials that are applied in numerous fields. But IPNs will gradually appear to fatigue microcracks and fracture when long‐term in the energy absorption and dissipation. So, the ability for IPNs to recover from damage is necessary that can considerably prolong their service life. Based on polyurethane elastomer and cross‐linked epoxy, several innovative self‐healing IPNs are designed and prepared in this research. The IPNs containing dynamic disulfide bond exhibit favorable damping and self‐healing properties. In detail, the loss factor of IPN‐80/20 is beyond 0.3 at temperatures between −0.8 and 65.5 °C that covers the operating temperature range at room temperature. What is more, The PU/EP IPNs also have excellent shape memory properties, self‐healing ability, and thermal stability.