Dielectric Properties of a Semicrystalline Supramolecular Polymer

Supramolecular polymers (SPs) are assemblies of monomers that bind to another through non-covalent interactions. The reversible nature of these interactions permits one to temporarily disassemble SPs "on command" by applying an appropriate stimulus, which is advantageous for processing and recycling and allows creating stimuli-responsive materials. Here we report on the dielectric properties of an SP network assembled from monomers based on polypropylene oxide (PPO) cores, functionalized with UPy groups. In this work, we measured the DC breakdown strength, dielectric relaxation and electrical conductivity and show that the dielectric properties are similar to those of silicones or silicon-based adhesives. However, the material is reprocessable, thus has a potential for medium voltage applications, within the context of a circular economy.