Self-assembly strategy based on multiple hydrogen bonds for super tough, self-healing polyurethane elastomers

Focusing on the self-assembly strategy of polymer chain structure, designing and synthesizing intelligent, tough and healable polymer materials is an effective way to meet the high-end applications of materials. Inspired by spider silk, we designed a preparation scheme for a repairable polyurethane-polyurea elastomer (IPAD-6.4) with an unprecedented mechanical toughness of 625.10 MJ/m 3 and elongation at break of 3756.56%. After repeated cyclic stretching, the elastic body can recover 92.85% of the dissipated energy in only 2 h. These results are achieved by the hierarchical hydrogen bonds formed by different groups and the reasonable covalent cross-linking network. Additionally, the elastomer shows excellent healing ability (repair efficiency ∼102.77%). A flexible conductive composite film is prepared by simple physical assembly. The sensor can not only accurately detect the bending motion of human joints, but also has excellent antibacterial properties, which gives the material application potential in medical and engineering fields. • Preparation of unprecedented super-tough polyurethane elastomers. • Efficient self-healing materials, fast rebound, unique structural control and design. • The flexible sensor has excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial properties.