Shear-stiffening supramolecular polymers: fabrication, modification and application

Next-generation flexible protective devices with softer, thinner, and better impact-resistance properties that can meet the extensive and rigorous impact-protection requirements in emerging fields such as aerospace, transportation, and electronics have attracted much attention. Shear-stiffening supramolecular polymers (SSSPs) represent an emerging class of impact-protection materials whose modulus significantly increases with the external strain rate, providing an excellent impact-resistance ability. However, there is still a lack of a comprehensive summary of SSSPs in terms of their aspects ranging from syntheses and structures to modifications and applications. This review outlines the progress in various fabrication approaches, unique properties and mechanisms of SSSPs since the advent of polyborosiloxane. To address their intrinsic cold-flow drawbacks, we provide an overview of the structural stabilization modifications of SSSPs and their subsequent applications in protection, flame retardancy, and sensors. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects for the further investigation of SSSPs in impact protection.