Weak Covalent Bonds and Mechanochemistry for Synergistic Self-Strengthening of Elastomers

Abstract

The macroscopic properties of elastomers are intimately linked to their molecular reactivity and mechanisms. Here, we propose a new strategy for designing strengthening materials based on the synergy of weak covalent bonds and mechanochemistry. After mechanical treatment, the failure strength and toughness of the elastomer increased from 2.37 ± 0.05 MPa and 11.34 ± 0.30 MJ/m³ to 6.02 ± 0.04 MPa and 18.40 ± 0.30 MJ/m³, respectively, while maintaining excellent tensile properties. Notably, experimental tests, theoretical calculations, and small-molecule reaction model results show that the sulfur–carbon bond is more prone to homolysis, and the reactive sites are between sulfur radicals and the end-positioned carbon of the vinyl. The C–S weak bond of spirothiopyran (STP) first undergoes homolysis to dissipate energy suffering from external stress, and the radical-mediated click reaction leads to the interchain cross-linking, thus enhancing the mechanical strength. In the end, the prepared elastomer is further used to construct a photonic elastomer, which exhibits not only mechanical force-enhanced strength but also mechanochromism. The present work provides an opportunity for innovative design of self-strengthening materials, and the prepared novel self-strengthening elastomer has broad applications in visualized strain monitoring, electronic skin, soft robots, and other fields.