An atom economy polyamide elastomer derived from polyether amine‐based bis‐acrylamide and dithiol monomer and synthesized by thiol‐Michael addition click reaction

Abstract

Traditional polyamide elastomer synthesis via polycondensation of diamines and dicarboxylic acids involves high energy use and by‐product mass loss. Here, we present a novel method using thiol‐Michael addition click chemistry to produce these elastomers under mild conditions, marking the first use of this strategy. The polymerization involves coupling bis‐acrylamide (BAA) with 3,6‐dioxa‐1,8‐octanedithiol (DODT), catalyzed by 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN). BAA is synthesized from polyetheramine and acryloyl chloride, creating a compound with amide groups and carbon double bonds at chain ends. These double bonds' electron‐withdrawing effect facilitates the click reaction efficiently, avoiding high energy and mass loss. The resulting polymers have a molecular weight of approximately 10,000 g/mol, verified by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, which show amide group presence. SAXS and AFM confirm nanophase separation of these groups. Tensile strength ranges from 0.235 to 0.542 MPa, decreasing with lower polyetheramine content but still showing notable elasticity. This method's low energy use, no mass loss, and good mechanical properties make it promising for developing high‐performance polyamide plastics and elastomers, appealing to researchers in both academia and industry.Highlights High elasticity, softness, and high tensile polyamide elastomer. Thiol‐Michael addition click reaction conforms to atomic economy. Long molecular chain contains extraordinary evolution of hydrogen bonding.