Eugenol-Based High-Strength and Toughness Shape Memory Poly(urethane thioether) Networks as Intrinsic UV-Shielding Devices

Ultraviolet (UV) light poses a significant threat to human health. Here, we propose a click preparation strategy for creating biomass-based poly(urethane thioether) networks for UV-shielding goggles designed to potentially protect the eyes from UV damage. Eugenol-based diurethanes (EDUs) were synthesized first, and then cross-linked networks were prepared through thiol-ene photoclick chemistry. The obtained high-strength and toughness eugenol-based poly(urethane thioether) networks (EUTNs) show a Young's modulus of 2.6 GPa, a tensile strength of 85 MPa, and a fracture elongation of 2066%. Meanwhile, EUTNs show shape memory behaviors and good optical properties. The EUTN films exhibit transparency while effectively filtering out approximately 99% of UVB and UVC radiation without any UV absorbers added. UV goggles can be integrally fabricated with both lenses and frames made entirely of the same EUTN material. What is more, goggles can be recovered to their original thin film form when not in use.