Work

Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polyurea Elastomers with Mechanical Robustness and Recyclability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cross-linked polymers are indispensable in advanced applications, but suffer from poor recyclability due to permanent covalent networks. Herein, we report recyclable supramolecular polyurea elastomers that integrate ureidopyrimidinone-based quadruple hydrogen-bonding motifs directly into the polymer backbone. The dynamic and reversible nature of these motifs imparts the SPUEs with remarkable malleability and reprocessability while preserving the robustness of conventional polyureas. The SPUEs display remarkable mechanical robustness, solvent resistance, and facile reprocessability through hot-pressing, producing homogeneous films with minimal performance loss. Impressively, tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness retained high recovery after reprocessing, demonstrating excellent closed-loop mechanical recyclability. This work showcases supramolecular engineering as a powerful strategy to reconcile mechanical robustness with recyclability in cross-linked polymers, offering new opportunities for sustainable thermosets and elastomers in circular materials design.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules30204061

Authors: Yanping Li, Chong Wang, Bo Qin

Institutions: Changsha Normal University, Hunan University

Language: English

Topic: Polymer composites and self-healing

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258