High Strength Photochromic Polyurethane with Self-Healing Abilities for Application as UV Detector

Photochromic materials have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in information encryption, intelligent sensors, and environmental monitoring. However, the preparation of photochromic materials with self-healing properties and high strength still poses significant challenges. Herein, a photochromic polyurethane (RBPU-8) with self-healing properties and high strength was synthesized by copolymerizing 2,6-pyridinedimethanol (PDM), boric acid (BA), poly(tetrahydrofuran) 1000 (PTMEG 1000), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and N-(rhodamine-B) lactam-1,2-ethylenediamine (RBNH2). The RBPU-8 photochromic elastomer not only shows a sensitive light response rate and excellent self-healing efficiency (93%) but also exhibits superior mechanical strength (45.5 MPa), high toughness (231.5 MJ m–3), and good fracture energy (188.7 KJ m–2). In addition, multiple recyclable stickers and wearable devices based on RBPU-8 elastomer materials were successfully fabricated for UV detection and prevention.