The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

A sustainable polyurethane elastomer, termed a pseudo-vitrimer, was designed by integrating reversible Diels–Alder linkages into a bio-derived polymer backbone, enabling dynamic network rearrangement without permanent crosslinking. The incorporation of covalent adaptable networks imparted a unique balance between structural integrity and molecular mobility, resulting in mechanically resilient yet elastomeric behavior. Beyond mechanical reinforcement, the dynamic network conferred multiple functional attributes, including thermally activated shape retention and memory, autonomous self-healing, and robust interfacial adhesion. Notably, the reversible nature of the Diels–Alder bonds allowed the polyurethane to be reprocessed and depolymerized for closed-loop recycling, demonstrating a viable strategy for advancing circular and environmentally responsible polyurethane systems.