Fatty acid–derived bio-based elastomers with dual-mode on-demand adhesion and autonomous self-healing

The conversion of non-edible plant oils into high-performance polymeric materials represents a promising route toward sustainable industrial products. Long-chain fatty acids derived from plant oil feedstocks provide intrinsic flexibility and chemical tunability. However, achieving both self-healing and durable adhesion (particularly in humid environments) remains challenging, since the mobility of the molecular segments often compromises interfacial stability and moisture resistance. Herein, we report a fatty acid–derived bio-based elastomer that integrates dual-mode on-demand adhesion and autonomous self-healing through rational molecular engineering. Long-chain aliphatic segments originating from plant oils are incorporated as hydrophobic domains within a dynamic polymer network, while reversible imine linkages derived from vanillin enable adaptive covalent exchange. This synergistic architecture balances molecular mobility with environmental tolerance, allowing efficient room-temperature self-healing together with robust mechanical performance. The elastomers further exhibit controllable adhesion triggered by thermal or solvent stimuli, enabling strong bonding under both dry and humid conditions. The engineered hydrophobic domains effectively enhance resistance to moisture penetration, while the dynamic network supports recyclability and reprocessability. This study demonstrates a practical strategy for transforming industrial oil–derived fatty acids into multifunctional elastomers that combine adaptability, durability, and circularity, advancing the high-value utilization of renewable crop-based feedstocks. Description： A hydrophobic domain engineered polyurethane elastomer based on vegetable oil reconciles the inherent contradiction between self-healing and dual-mode on-demand adhesion in wet environments • A bio-based polymer from non-edible plant oils was developed for high-value applications. • An oil-based polyurethane elastomer balanced chain mobility and moisture resistance via hydrophobic design. • Dual-mode adhesion was enabled by thermal and solvent activation under dry and wet conditions. • The dynamic network enables recycling and reprocessing of industrial plant oil resources.