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An Ultra-Tough Fluorescent Elastomer Engineered Using Hierarchical Dynamic Interactions to Integrate Damage Detection
Xing Huang1,2, Jiafei Ren1,2, Qifang Li2
1Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 24, 2026
Summary
This study developed a robust fluorescent elastomer using La³⁺ ions and hierarchical hydrogen bonds. This material offers enhanced mechanical properties, fluorescence, and thermal stability for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Integrating mechanical robustness and fluorescence in elastomers is challenging.
- Current methods compromise mechanical properties and hinder industrial use.
- Developing elastomers with both fluorescence and mechanical integrity is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust poly(urea-urethane) (PUU) fluorescent elastomer.
- To enhance fluorescence through La³⁺ ion coordination and hierarchical hydrogen bonds.
- To achieve superior mechanical properties, thermal stability, and multifunctional capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of La³⁺ ions into a poly(urea-urethane) matrix.
- Construction of hierarchical hydrogen bonds (nine levels).
- Characterization of fluorescence, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and detection capabilities.
Main Results:
- Developed a PUU fluorescent elastomer with intense blue fluorescence via aggregation-induced emission.
- Achieved record toughness (668.9 MJ m⁻³), strength (78.3 MPa), and recyclability.
- Demonstrated fluorescent thermal stability up to 240°C for anti-counterfeiting and encryption.
- Exhibited damage detection, water leakage detection, and blast-resistance capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The La³⁺-coordinated PUU elastomer offers a novel approach to combining fluorescence and mechanical robustness.
- The material shows significant potential for applications in optical technologies, nuclear industries, and energy infrastructure.
- This work provides insights into designing high-performance fluorescent elastomers.
