Slide-ring materials using topological supramolecular architecture

We have recently developed a novel type of gel called slide-ring gel or topological gel by using the supramolecular architecture with topological characteristics. In this gel, polymer chains with bulky end groups exhibit neither covalently cross-links as in chemical gels nor attractive interactions as in physical gels but are topologically interlocked by figure-of-eight cross-links. Hence, these cross-links can pass along the polymer chains freely to equalize the tension of the threading polymer chains similarly to pulleys; this is called pulley effect. The slide-ring gel is a new cross-linking concept for the polymer network as well as a real example of a slip-link model or sliding gel, which was previously considered only theoretically. Here we review the synthesis, structure, and mechanical properties of the slide-ring gels with freely movable cross-linking junctions based primarily on our recent studies. The pulley effect of the slide-ring gels has been recently confirmed by mechanical measurements, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS), etc. This concept can be applied to not only gels but also to a wide variety of polymeric materials without solvents. In particular, the slide-ring elastomer shows remarkable scratch-proof properties to be applied to coating materials for automobile, cell phone, mobile computer, fishing rod, golf club and so on.