High‐Performance and Multifunctional Lignin‐Derived Polyurethane Elastomers for Robotic Flexible Protective Layers

Abstract Developing sustainable materials for next‐generation robotic protective layers demands a unique combination of excellent mechanical properties, dynamic adaptability, and multifunctionality. Here, a class of lignin‐derived polyurethane elastomers (LVPUs) is designed via a “dynamic locking” strategy, incorporating robust silyl ether bonds for structural stability and reversible imine bonds for adaptability within a lignin‐based crosslinked network. LVPUs exhibit outstanding tensile property, impact resistance, and solvent resistance in the locked state, ensuring reliable protection. Through dynamic bond exchange mechanisms, these elastomers can be effectively reprocessed via thermal treatment or room‐temperature hydrolysis, enabling versatile recycling. Additionally, LVPUs exhibit excellent photo‐thermal properties, reaching a surface temperature of ≈80 °C under 1 sun irradiation (0.1 W cm⁻ 2 ), and achieving efficient photo‐thermal‐electric energy conversion with an output voltage of ≈0.5 V. This study proposes an eco‐friendly strategy for developing next‐generation flexible protective materials for robotics that integrate multi‐aspect protection, recyclability and energy supply capabilities.