Programming of Hierarchical Noncovalent Interactions Enables Thermoplastic Elastomers With Ultrahigh Mechanical Strength and Dynamic Stability

ABSTRACT Noncovalent thermoplastic elastomers face a persistent trade‐off between stability and processability; strategies relying on increasing interaction density are reaching diminishing returns. Here, we report a hierarchical programming strategy for noncovalent interactions that moves beyond the parallel superposition of multiple weak bonds. Guided by multiscale simulations, we predict and design a thermoplastic elastomer in which strong naphthalene π–π stacking acts as primary directional anchors, templating the ordered assembly of a secondary hydrogen‐bond network through conformational confinement and producing a synergistic response larger than simple additivity. The linear polymer system achieves an ultrahigh tensile strength of 99.6 MPa and a stress‐relaxation activation energy of 153.5 kJ mol − 1 , comparable to values typically reported for covalent adaptable networks. Using computational chemical calculations and characterization, we clarify how the layered division of labor between interactions governs macroscopic stability. The resulting elastomers are reprocessable and tolerate harsh conditions, offering a generalizable design principle for noncovalent materials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-10-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.79309
Primary Topic
Polymer composites and self-healing
Type
article
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article

Programming of Hierarchical Noncovalent Interactions Enables Thermoplastic Elastomers With Ultrahigh Mechanical Strength and Dynamic Stability

Jiaxin Shi, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu, Xinshu Sun et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Polymer composites and self-healing
article

Programming of Hierarchical Noncovalent Interactions Enables Thermoplastic Elastomers With Ultrahigh Mechanical Strength and Dynamic Stability

Jiaxin Shi, Baohua Guo, Jun Xu, Xinshu Sun, Yucheng Hu
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Noncovalent thermoplastic elastomers face a persistent trade‐off between stability and processability; strategies relying on increasing interaction density are reaching diminishing returns. Here, we report a hierarchical programming strategy for noncovalent interactions that moves beyond the parallel superposition of multiple weak bonds. Guided by multiscale simulations, we predict and design a thermoplastic elastomer in which strong naphthalene π–π stacking acts as primary directional anchors, templating the ordered assembly of a secondary hydrogen‐bond network through conformational confinement and producing a synergistic response larger than simple additivity. The linear polymer system achieves an ultrahigh tensile strength of 99.6 MPa and a stress‐relaxation activation energy of 153.5 kJ mol − 1 , comparable to values typically reported for covalent adaptable networks. Using computational chemical calculations and characterization, we clarify how the layered division of labor between interactions governs macroscopic stability. The resulting elastomers are reprocessable and tolerate harsh conditions, offering a generalizable design principle for noncovalent materials.

Advanced Functional Materials
Tsinghua University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Polymer composites and self-healing
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