Researchers have developed a novel polyurethane elastomer based on an ascorbic acid-derived dynamic covalent adaptive network (A-CCANs). By leveraging the synergistic effect of keto-enol tautomerism and dynamic carbamate bonds, the material achieves exceptional properties: a thermal decomposition temperature of 345 °C, a fracture stress of 0.88 GPa, a compressive strength of 268.3 MPa (energy absorption of 68.93 MJ·m⁻³), and a residual strain below 0.02 after 20,000 cycles. It also exhibits self-healing within seconds and a recycling efficiency of up to 90%, offering a breakthrough solution for applications in smart devices and structural materials.
This groundbreaking study constructed a dynamic covalent adaptive network (A-CCANs) using ascorbic acid as the core building block. Through precisely designed keto-enol tautomerism and dynamic carbamate bonds, an extraordinary polyurethane elastomer was created. The material demonstrates polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-like heat resistance—with a thermal decomposition temperature as high as 345 °C—while exhibiting a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility: a true fracture stress of 0.88 GPa, and the ability to maintain a stress of 268.3 MPa under 99.9% compression strain while absorbing 68.93 MJ·m⁻³ of energy. Even more impressive, the material shows a residual strain of less than 0.02% after 20,000 mechanical cycles, self-heals within one second, and achieves a recycling efficiency of 90%. This design strategy, which achieves the proverbial “having both fish and bear’s paw,” provides a revolutionary solution for applications such as smart wearables and aerospace cushioning materials, where both mechanical strength and environmental durability are critical.
Post time: Aug-28-2025