Supramolecular transparent plastic engineering via covalent-and-supramolecular polymerization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Supramolecular materials offer excellent optical properties and processability.
• Existing supramolecular plastics suffer from poor mechanical toughness and long-term stability, limiting applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop mechanically robust and stable transparent supramolecular plastic materials.
• To enhance the functionalization potential of supramolecular materials.

Main Methods:

• A synergistic covalent-and-supramolecular polymerization strategy was employed.
• Solvent-free one-pot amidation of thioctic acid and (poly)amines was utilized.
• Dynamic disulfide and hydrogen bonds were incorporated alongside covalent amide linkers.

Main Results:

• The novel supramolecular plastic achieved high mechanical strength (45.51 MPa) and rigidity (74.0 HD).
• The material demonstrated excellent resistance to mechanical impact (34.47 kJ m⁻²).
• Experimental and theoretical studies confirmed the roles of amide, disulfide, and hydrogen bonds in achieving toughness.

Conclusions:

• Synergistic covalent-supramolecular polymerization effectively enhances the mechanical properties of transparent plastics.
• The combination of dynamic bonds and covalent linkages creates a rigid yet tough material.
• This approach broadens the application scope for functional supramolecular materials.