Polymer Journal最新文献

{"title":"Noncovalently polymer-grafted carbon nanotube-enhanced PEDOT: PSS composite films: electrical properties and electrically driven actuation","authors":"Zhu Mingze, Eisuke Honda, Norio Tsubokawa, Takeshi Yamauchi","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01184-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01184-3","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, pyrene-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was synthesized and noncovalently grafted onto the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNTs) via π–π stacking interactions between the pyrene groups and the mwCNTs. The grafted CNTs exhibited excellent water dispersibility and could be stably incorporated into the aqueous dispersion of the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), enabling the fabrication of uniform composite conductive films. These films exhibit rapid actuation in response to temperature changes induced by an applied electric field, and are characterized by volumetric contraction. The results indicated that the incorporation of grafted CNTs significantly improved the electrical conductivity, decreased the mechanical shrinkage stress, and improved the applied voltage/temperature response performance of the composite films. In addition, considering the potential applications in low-voltage-driven electrochemical actuators and capacitive energy storage, the energy storage capability and interfacial charge transfer behavior of the composite film electrodes were investigated via electrochemical characterization. On the basis of the aforementioned properties, flexible polyethylene substrates with electrically driven physical actuators and composite film origami design actuators were fabricated, which demonstrated a fast response. Pyrene-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was noncovalently grafted onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNTs) via π–π stacking interactions, enabling stable aqueous dispersion with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) and fabrication of uniform conductive composite films. The films exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity, reduced mechanical shrinkage stress, and rapid electrothermal actuation, showing reversible bending deformation of flexible actuators under applied voltage (ON/OFF). Electrochemical characterization further demonstrated energy storage capability and interfacial charge transfer behavior, highlighting potential applications in low-voltage-driven flexible electrochemical actuators.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"975-985"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Favorable electron extraction from non-fullerene photoactive layers enabled by tetrakisarylamine-functionalized ethylenediamines in polymer solar cells","authors":"Alem Araya Meresa, Tae-won Lee, Youngseok Kim, Hye Ok Choi, Felix Sunjoo Kim, Kwangyong Park","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01186-1","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01186-1","url":null,"abstract":"Engineering the cathode interface of polymer solar cells plays a critical role in mitigating defects and charge recombination, thereby improving device efficiency. Herein, we report the development of two novel tetrakisarylamine-functionalized ethylenediamines (TAAs) as cathode interlayers in organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells based on a non-fullerene BTP-4Cl acceptor and a PCE14 polymer donor. These tetrakisaryldiamines, which are easily synthesized from ethylene diamine and readily processable with common organic solvents, exhibit extended π-conjugation through vinyl linkers. The incorporation of TAAs on the top of the zinc oxide effectively alters the contact between the photoactive layer and the oxide, minimizing interfacial traps and enhancing charge transfer, as revealed by lower series and higher shunt resistances. The TAA with carbazole units at the end of the four arms shows the greatest increase in the performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells and increases the power conversion efficiency from 14.1% to 15.1%. TAAs also enhance long-term stability during device storage because of the effective modification of the cathode contact. Tetrakisarylamine-functionalized ethylenediamines (TAAs), used as an electron-transporting interlayer, modify the contact between the photoactive PCE14:BTP-4Cl layer and the ZnO-based cathode, thereby reducing interfacial trap states, facilitating charge transfer, and ultimately improving both power conversion efficiency and device stability.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1083-1092"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01186-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simultaneous quaternization and crosslinking of polystyrene-based anion exchange membranes using bis-imidazole crosslinkers for fuel cell applications","authors":"Li-Cheng Jheng, Tzu-En Liu, Hong-Yi Yeh, Steve Lien-Chung Hsu","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01191-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01191-4","url":null,"abstract":"Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) generally suffer from a trade-off between ionic conductivity and dimensional stability. Conventional crosslinking modification improves dimensional stability at the expense of ionic conductivity. To address this problem, a simultaneous quaternization and crosslinking strategy using tertiary diamine-based bis-imidazole crosslinkers was employed to form crosslinked networks in which imidazolium groups function as both crosslinking nodes and anion-conducting sites. In this study, six bis-imidazole-crosslinked polystyrene-based AEMs were synthesized by systematically varying the tether length, tether hydrophilicity, and C2 substitution on the imidazolium ring. All the crosslinked AEMs showed limited water uptake, good dimensional stability, and adequate mechanical strength. Additionally, they exhibited appreciable hydroxide ion conductivities, indicating that both imidazolium- and methylimidazolium-linked crosslinked networks can effectively facilitate ion transport. Among them, the unsubstituted imidazolium-linked membrane with a longer ether-containing tether showed the highest hydration number and achieved the highest hydroxide ion conductivity of 0.0839 S cm−1 at 80 °C. However, the unsubstituted imidazolium linkage was unstable under alkaline conditions. Notably, the C2-methyl-substituted imidazolium-linked membrane with a longer ether-containing tether maintained high conductivity after prolonged alkaline treatment and delivered a fuel cell performance comparable to that of the commercial polystyrene-based AEM Sustainion X37-RT, demonstrating its potential for AEMFC applications. Preparation of bis-imidazole-crosslinked polystyrene-based anion-exchange membranes involves simultaneous quaternization and crosslinking, with imidazolium cationic groups serving as both crosslinking nodes and anion-conducting sites, making these membranes suitable for fuel cell applications.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1127-1139"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01191-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facile construction of a Janus carbon nanotube/cellulose membrane for solar evaporation and dye wastewater purification","authors":"Chih-Feng Wang, Fshatsion Berhane Gessesew, Wei-Song Hung, Chien-Chieh Hu, Chi-Jung Chang, Shiao-Wei Kuo, Juin-Yih Lai","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01189-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01189-y","url":null,"abstract":"Freshwater scarcity has become among the most critical global challenges in recent years because of the rapid increase in the human population, economic growth, and industrial development. In response, solar evaporation using effectual converters for seawater desalination and wastewater purification has emerged as one of the most promising solutions. Accordingly, in this study, a simple filtration approach for fabricating low-cost, self-floating photothermal converters composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and filter paper is presented. The prepared Janus CNT@cellulose membrane exhibited appropriate wettability and excellent photothermal conversion ability. Under an irradiation of 1 sun (1000 W/m2), the highest evaporation rates of the Janus CNT@cellulose membrane for water and 3.5 wt% NaCl (aq) were 1.68 and 1.56 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. Our materials exhibited outstanding rejection of metal ions and dyes under solar evaporation. Its low cost, good solar evaporation performance, and easy preparation make the Janus CNT@cellulose membrane promising for use in the fields of freshwater production and wastewater purification. A facile filtration method was developed to fabricate Janus CNT@cellulose membrane, designed as an efficient photothermal material for solar-driven water vapor generation, with a focus on sustainability and low cost. The as-prepared membrane exhibited well performances in solar desalination and dye-containing wastewater treatment. The simple preparation method, self-floating ability, and high solar evaporation efficiency indicates that the Janus CNT@cellulose membrane demonstrates strong potential for practical applications.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1109-1118"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01189-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of intrinsically stretchable naphthalene–diimide-based multiblock semiconducting copolymers with systematically tuned polyisobutene segments","authors":"Megumi Matsuda, Naoki Matsuda, Yudai Hemmi, Rin Kobayashi, Teruma Mikata, Taichi Takahashi, He Sun, Tomoyuki Koganezawa, Hiroyuki Matsui, Tomoya Higashihara","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01173-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01173-6","url":null,"abstract":"This study reports the design of n-type (AB)n multiblock copolymers composed of a naphthalene–diimide (NDI)-based semiconducting polymer and polyisobutene (PIB) segments to elucidate how the PIB segment length and content affect thermal, mechanical, and charge-transport properties. All the copolymers exhibited high thermal stability, with 5% weight loss temperatures above 386 °C. Thin films containing 18–23 wt% PIB exhibited outstanding crack resistance and remained intact under strains up to 100%. At lower PIB contents (≤10 wt%), compared with those with longer PIB chains, copolymers with shorter PIB segments achieved significantly improved stretchability, indicating more efficient stress dissipation via uniform PIB dispersion. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering confirmed that the crystalline organization of semiconducting domains was largely retained after PIB incorporation. Under uniaxial strain, the lamellar spacing changed nonmonotonically, suggesting that stress is initially absorbed by PIB but subsequently transferred to the semiconducting matrix. Organic field-effect transistor measurements revealed only a minimal decrease in mobility (~13%) from 4 to 10 wt% PIB, whereas 18 wt% PIB caused a greater reduction (~50%); however, the electron mobility remained on the order of 10−3 cm2V−1s−1. An optimal design window of low-molecular-weight PIB (~10 wt%) in a multiblock copolymer balances stretchability and electronic performance. n-Type (AB)n multiblock copolymers combining an NDI-based semiconducting polymer and polyisobutene segments were successfully synthesized to clarify how PIB length and content influence thermal, mechanical, and charge-transport properties. All copolymers were thermally stable (Td5% > 386 °C). The studied polymer films with 18–23 wt% PIB showed excellent crack resistance up to 100% strain. The OFET mobility based on the thin films decreased slightly (~13%) at 4–10 wt% PIB and remained the order of 10−3 cm2V−1s−1.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"901-909"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01173-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of intrinsically stretchable naphthalene–diimide-based multiblock semiconducting copolymers with systematically tuned polyisobutene segments","authors":"Megumi Matsuda, Naoki Matsuda, Yudai Hemmi, Rin Kobayashi, Teruma Mikata, Taichi Takahashi, He Sun, Tomoyuki Koganezawa, Hiroyuki Matsui, Tomoya Higashihara","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01173-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01173-6","url":null,"abstract":"This study reports the design of n-type (AB)n multiblock copolymers composed of a naphthalene–diimide (NDI)-based semiconducting polymer and polyisobutene (PIB) segments to elucidate how the PIB segment length and content affect thermal, mechanical, and charge-transport properties. All the copolymers exhibited high thermal stability, with 5% weight loss temperatures above 386 °C. Thin films containing 18–23 wt% PIB exhibited outstanding crack resistance and remained intact under strains up to 100%. At lower PIB contents (≤10 wt%), compared with those with longer PIB chains, copolymers with shorter PIB segments achieved significantly improved stretchability, indicating more efficient stress dissipation via uniform PIB dispersion. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering confirmed that the crystalline organization of semiconducting domains was largely retained after PIB incorporation. Under uniaxial strain, the lamellar spacing changed nonmonotonically, suggesting that stress is initially absorbed by PIB but subsequently transferred to the semiconducting matrix. Organic field-effect transistor measurements revealed only a minimal decrease in mobility (~13%) from 4 to 10 wt% PIB, whereas 18 wt% PIB caused a greater reduction (~50%); however, the electron mobility remained on the order of 10−3 cm2V−1s−1. An optimal design window of low-molecular-weight PIB (~10 wt%) in a multiblock copolymer balances stretchability and electronic performance. n-Type (AB)n multiblock copolymers combining an NDI-based semiconducting polymer and polyisobutene segments were successfully synthesized to clarify how PIB length and content influence thermal, mechanical, and charge-transport properties. All copolymers were thermally stable (Td5% > 386 °C). The studied polymer films with 18–23 wt% PIB showed excellent crack resistance up to 100% strain. The OFET mobility based on the thin films decreased slightly (~13%) at 4–10 wt% PIB and remained the order of 10−3 cm2V−1s−1.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"901-909"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01173-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifunctional acrylic vitrimers: advances in dynamic covalent chemistry and sustainable synthesis","authors":"Hoang Nam Nguyen, Thi-Lan-Huong Ngo, Hoang Linh Bui, Chun-Jen Huang","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01176-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01176-3","url":null,"abstract":"Vitrimers constitute a significant advance in polymer chemistry, uniting the robust mechanical strength and stability characteristics of thermosets with the capacity for reshaping, molding, and recycling at elevated temperatures above the topology freezing point (Tv). While acrylic polymers constitute a cornerstone of the modern materials landscape, the vast majority remain intractable thermosets with limited end-of-life options. Integrating dynamic covalent chemistries to create acrylic vitrimers addresses this urgent sustainability challenge, yet this specific class of materials remains surprisingly underexplored compared with other vitrimer systems. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the core design principles, dynamic chemistries, structure–property relationships, and key applications of acrylic-based vitrimers. We analyze the influence of key dynamic covalent chemistries, including transesterification, boronic ester, acetal exchange, disulfide exchange, carboxy exchange, and vinylogous urethane exchange, on the mechanical, thermal, and reprocessability characteristics of these materials. Innovative design methods capable of coupling noncovalent interactions with biomass resources are promoted because of their ability to improve the mechanical robustness of vitrimers with high adaptability. In addition, the discussion highlights emerging advances in modern manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and recycling, as pivotal developments that position vitrimers at the forefront of efforts to achieve a circular economy in the polymer industry. Comprehensive overview of acrylate vitrimers from advanced properties to synthesis and applications.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"989-1014"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01176-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasible analytical protocol for residual polymers in culture medium after biodegradation testing","authors":"Yuta Sawanaka, Junko Torii, Yuya Tachibana, Ken-ichi Kasuya","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01187-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01187-0","url":null,"abstract":"The development of biodegradable polymers and their certification require an analytical method that is both reliable and practical. Although biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing remains a robust method for confirming polymer metabolism, it does not provide precise information about the residual compounds present during and after biodegradation. Moreover, direct analysis of these residues is challenging, particularly when seawater interferes with the analysis. In this study, we propose an extraction/chemical-structure–analysis/molecular-mass–analysis protocol as an enhanced analytical approach for investigating culture medium after BOD biodegradation testing in seawater. We conducted BOD biodegradation tests of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(ε-caprolactone), and poly(butylene succinate) in seawater. After testing, 1H NMR analysis of the extracts revealed the chemical structures of the residual polymers and enabled the assessment of NMR degradability, which aligned well with the BOD biodegradability trend. Additionally, molecular mass analysis revealed changes in the molecular mass, supporting the evaluation of the polymer chain scission. This study advances analytical methods in the field of biodegradable polymers. An integrated extraction–NMR–SEC protocol is proposed for analyzing residual polymers (PHBV, PCL, and PBSu) after BOD biodegradation testing in seawater. 1H NMR analysis assesses “NMR degradability,” which correlates strongly with BOD results, while SEC analysis identifies polymer chain scission through molecular mass changes. This practical and reliable approach enables a comprehensive understanding of biodegradation mechanisms in complex environments where direct analysis is challenging","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"955-962"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01187-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasible analytical protocol for residual polymers in culture medium after biodegradation testing","authors":"Yuta Sawanaka, Junko Torii, Yuya Tachibana, Ken-ichi Kasuya","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01187-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01187-0","url":null,"abstract":"The development of biodegradable polymers and their certification require an analytical method that is both reliable and practical. Although biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) testing remains a robust method for confirming polymer metabolism, it does not provide precise information about the residual compounds present during and after biodegradation. Moreover, direct analysis of these residues is challenging, particularly when seawater interferes with the analysis. In this study, we propose an extraction/chemical-structure–analysis/molecular-mass–analysis protocol as an enhanced analytical approach for investigating culture medium after BOD biodegradation testing in seawater. We conducted BOD biodegradation tests of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(ε-caprolactone), and poly(butylene succinate) in seawater. After testing, 1H NMR analysis of the extracts revealed the chemical structures of the residual polymers and enabled the assessment of NMR degradability, which aligned well with the BOD biodegradability trend. Additionally, molecular mass analysis revealed changes in the molecular mass, supporting the evaluation of the polymer chain scission. This study advances analytical methods in the field of biodegradable polymers. An integrated extraction–NMR–SEC protocol is proposed for analyzing residual polymers (PHBV, PCL, and PBSu) after BOD biodegradation testing in seawater. 1H NMR analysis assesses “NMR degradability,” which correlates strongly with BOD results, while SEC analysis identifies polymer chain scission through molecular mass changes. This practical and reliable approach enables a comprehensive understanding of biodegradation mechanisms in complex environments where direct analysis is challenging","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"955-962"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01187-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"UV-assisted repair of disulfide-based covalent adaptable networks for sustainable protective coatings","authors":"Yeomyung Yoon, Chae Bin Kim","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01185-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01185-2","url":null,"abstract":"Dynamic network exchange reactions enable covalent adaptable networks (CANs) to combine the robustness of thermosets with malleability and reprocessability. However, most CANs rely on thermally activated bond exchange, which requires high temperatures and prolonged processing times while heating the entire material and limiting localized repair. Here, we report a CAN incorporating UV- and heat-responsive disulfide bonds that enables topology rearrangement under mild conditions. The network becomes malleable upon heating or, more efficiently, under UV irradiation, allowing for bond exchange without bulk heating. Compared with nonirradiated conditions, UV irradiation at room temperature significantly accelerates creep deformation, enabling practical UV-assisted welding without thermal input. Importantly, UV activation provides spatially localized control, allowing for site-specific repair while leaving surrounding regions unaffected. This selective repair capability is demonstrated through application of the CAN as a repairable anti-corrosion coating. This UV-responsive CAN provides a versatile platform for spatiotemporally controlled processing and repair of network polymers, offering a sustainable pathway to extend material lifetime through localized, low-energy reprocessing. This study presents a heat- and UV-responsive disulfide-based covalent adaptable network (DS-CAN) as a repairable anticorrosion coating under mild conditions. UV irradiation at room temperature activates dynamic disulfide exchange, enabling localized network rearrangement, welding, and patching. The restored coatings recover structural integrity and corrosion resistance, offering an energy-efficient, on-demand, spatiotemporally controlled repair strategy for functional coatings.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1217-1223"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01185-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}