Acylsemicarbazide Moieties with Dynamic Reversibility and Multiple Hydrogen Bonding for Transparent, High Modulus, and Malleable Polymers

The realization of covalent adaptable networks with excellent mechanical and dynamic properties remains a major challenge. Herein, the acylsemicarbazide (ASC) moieties with dynamic reversibility and multiple hydrogen bonding were disclosed and used to prepare transparent, high modulus, and malleable polymer networks. It was found that the ASC moiety can reversibly generate isocyanate and hydrazide at elevated temperatures, that is, exhibiting dynamic reversibility. ASC can also produce the disordered multiple hydrogen bonds that contribute to superior mechanical strength for dynamic polymers. The hydrogen bonding in ASC moieties can diminish the energy barrier for the cleavage of dynamic covalent bonds, and the dissociation of ASC moieties further promotes the disruption of hydrogen bonds, showing the synergistic dynamic effects. ASC moieties provide a valuable molecular engineering opportunity toward high-performance dynamic polymer materials. The polymer containing ASC moieties possesses excellent optical transparency, superb mechanical performance (Young's modulus up to 1.7 GPa), together with malleable and healing properties.