Waterborne polyurethanes based on phenol-carbamate bonding: self-healing, shape memory, antifouling and bacteriostatic functions

To develop a multifunctional, high-performance material with extended durability and reduced maintenance costs, meeting the diverse demands of modern industrial and environmental applications, this study prepared a novel multifunctional waterborne polyurethane (WPU) material. By incorporating the bio-based compound gallic acid (GA) into the WPU matrix, dynamic phenolic-carbamate bonds were formed, imparting excellent self-healing capabilities with a healing efficiency of up to 92 %. Additionally, the inclusion of a copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) endowed the material with remarkable antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, making it suitable for applications in medical devices and food packaging. Furthermore, the integration of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) significantly enhanced the material's surface hydrophobicity, achieving a contact angle of 108°, thereby providing excellent antifouling performance. The resulting material demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability, while the reversibility of the dynamic bonds and the synergistic effects of the multifunctional components enhanced its intelligence and durability. This study offers a novel approach to the design and application of multifunctional WPUs, with potential uses in flexible electronics, smart coatings, and antibacterial antifouling technologies.