Quantification of the scratch-healing efficiency for novel zwitterionic polymers

In this work, we present a new strategy to engineer novel self-healing ionomers, namely, zwitterionic polymers, and a comprehensive analysis of their mechanical, viscoelastic, and scratch-healing properties. This new method enables reproducible damage of the polymer surfaces, calculation of the scratch volume through tactile profile scans, and quantification of the self-healing efficiency. Based on the results of the scratch tests and complementary rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hardness tests, new trends, and structure–property relationships can be identified.