Stiffness Reinforcement in Polymer Networks Through Supramolecular Topological Linking
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Polymer networks possess numerous elastically defective and isolated loops, which do not contribute to mechanical stiffness. In this report, we introduce a strategy of supramolecular topological linking to access stiffer-yet-ductile polymeric materials through incorporation of supramolecular tetravalent crosslinkers. Dynamic dissociation/re-association between these high-functionality crosslinks enables the formation of topologically-linked loops that serve as elastic springs to stiffen the networks. An exceptional scaling exponent of 2.05 for Young's modulus versus crosslinker concentration is obtained, exceeding most reported randomly-crosslinked polymeric systems. Compared to conventional analogs, the mechanical properties of the resultant materials are enhanced: Young's modulus (2-fold), elongation at break (8-fold), and work of fracture (100-fold). Uplifting modulus scalings through supramolecular topological linking paves a new path to the design of stiffness-reinforced soft materials, holding substantial promise in load-bearing application scenarios such as tissue implants, bioelectronic interfaces, and soft robotics.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.7480690
Authors: Bohang Wu, Junting Huang, Chengyu Zeng, Mingxin Zhong, Qin Ding, Du Wang, Jingzhou Wang, Zixiang Zhou, Tong Wu, Xinling Wang, Hui Li, Dan Xing, Jianhao Lin, Yiheng Wu, Yuwei Gu, Shixian Lv, Yuchong Yang, Yang Jiao, Guanglu Wu, Jasper van der Gucht, Martien A. Cohen Stuart, Tongfan Hao, Zehuan Huang
Institutions: Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Jiangsu University, Peking University People's Hospital, University of Chicago, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, University of Cambridge, Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Wageningen University & Research
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G6499746150, G7442988091
OpenAlex ID: W7155002257