Abstract

Owing to their unique properties originating from slidable cross-links, polyrotaxane derivatives have potential applications as polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, lightweight polymer alloys for vehicular bodies and their glazing, elastic rubbers for tires, hydrogels for drug delivery. This article reviews the structures of polyrotaxanes comprising cyclic molecules threaded by a linear axle polymer. Next, the versatile characteristics of polyrotaxane gels, elastomers, and polymer alloys such as toughness, elasticity, and softness are discussed in relation to their supramolecular architectures. Finally, the mechanical behavior of solid ring cross-links are compared with that of conventional fixed cross-links for better understanding.

Keywords: polyrotaxane;slide ring cross-links;gels;elastomers;polymer blends