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March 21, 2026Advanced Science4 citationsOpen Access

Dynamic Supramolecular Polyurethane Elastomers Enabling Bioinspired Strain‐Adaptive Stiffening to Resolve the Softness–Strength Paradox

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HZHaoming ZouZFZhi‐Xiong FeiZYZhao Yang

Key Points

  • This work aims to develop elastomers that combine high mechanical strength with softness to mimic natural skin.
  • Developed dynamically crosslinked supramolecular polyurethanes.
  • Used isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) for chain extension.
  • Optimized molecular topology to enhance strain-stiffening.
  • Measured mechanical properties under various conditions.
  • Achieved an ultralow initial modulus of less than 3 MPa.
  • Demonstrated strain-stiffening with a tensile strength exceeding 50 MPa.
  • Showcased high fracture toughness of approximately 2×10^5 J m−2.
  • Exhibited hydrophobic properties suitable for underwater applications.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid progress of soft robotics and flexible electronics has sparked tremendous demand for elastomers that unite high mechanical strength with intrinsic softness, thereby mimicking the mechanical performance of natural skin. Herein, we report a class of dynamically crosslinked supramolecular polyurethanes that combine skin‐comparable low modulus with high strength and room‐temperature self‐healing, achieved through a segmental molecular engineering strategy. The design leverages entropy‐driven soft elasticity together with enthalpy‐governed strain‐stiffening and energy dissipation, dictated by polymer segment topology. Using a prototypical supramolecular elastomer, we demonstrate that incorporating an isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) chain extender, whose steric configuration matches that of ureidopyimidinone (UPy), reinforces hydrogen bonding interaction and suppresses premature crystallization. The optimized elastomer exhibits an ultralow initial modulus (50 MPa) and high fracture toughness (∼2×10 5 J m −2 ), outperforming state‐of‐the‐art room‐temperature self‐healing elastomers. Moreover, the elastomer features hydrophobicity, ensuring stability in underwater applications. These results underscore the promise of segment‐level molecular engineering for constructing dynamic polyurethanes with thermoplastic processability, skin‐like softness, and unprecedented mechanical robustness.

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Cite This Study

Zou et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69be37626e48c4981c6770bfhttps://doi.org/10.1002/advs.74910
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