Mitochondria-inspired general strategy simultaneously enhances contradictory properties of commercial polymers

Abstract

Thermoplastic polymers have become indispensable in modern life. The processability and mechanical performance of thermoplastic polymers are extremely important; however, they are mutually conflicting and difficult to enhance simultaneously. Inspired by the dynamic fission and fusion of mitochondria, we designed a dynamically cross-linked plasticizing reinforcer complexed with thermoplastic polymers. Plasticizing reinforcer maintained a stable cross-linked structure under routine usage conditions and dissociated into linear oligomers and monomers when processed, leading to a significant enhancement in both the mechanical performance and processability of thermoplastic polymers. We demonstrated the effectiveness and versatility of this strategy by modifying thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and polylactic acid. Notably, after modification, the strength of polyurethane significantly increased, reaching 75.8 MPa and exceeding that of all thermoplastic polyurethane products. Concurrently, its viscosity was reduced by 70 %. No similar dual modulation effects on mechanical and processing properties have been reported previously. This study provides simple, general and readily industrializable way to simultaneously enhance multiple, typically contradictory aspects of polymers.