Recent advances in high-strength and high-toughness polyurethanes based on supramolecular interactions

Abstract

Recent developments in supramolecular chemistry have generated increasing interest in supramolecular polymers and opened a window for the exploitation of various supramolecular polymeric materials and their multifunctional composites. High-performance polyurethanes, as a special subclass of polymers, have also attracted significant attention from academia and industry in recent years because of their extraordinary structural characteristics, tunable physicochemical properties and various potential applications. However, while polyurethanes are increasingly used in many attractive fields, the manufacture of polyurethanes with both high strength and high toughness remains a formidable challenge. Specifically, the incorporation of supramolecular interactions into polyurethane structures, which can give them enhanced mechanical properties, tunable versatility and outstanding self-healing, has been proven to be an effective strategy for making considerable contributions to polymeric materials. Herein, we mainly focus on the latest research advances of high-strength and high-toughness polyurethanes based on supramolecular interactions, and further present a comprehensive analysis of the main types, different synthetic strategies, mechanisms and applications of supramolecular polyurethanes. In addition, insight into their respective advantages, characteristics and differences, as well as various application examples in shape memory materials, self-healing materials, coating materials, absorbent materials and other industries, are highlighted. Finally, the potential applications, development challenges and perspectives on future research directions of SPUs are also discussed.