Molecular hard-segment engineered polyurethane with thermochromism, shape memory, humidity-driven, and self-healing capabilities

In nature, complex camouflage, locomotion, and self-healing mechanisms are key instinctive abilities that give organisms a survival advantage. Imitating these fascinating multi-stimulus responses has significant implications for scientists developing novel bionic smart materials. Here, we have developed a new polyurethane material (TASNPU30) by copolymerizing dihydroxy-functionalized tetraarylsuccinonitrile (TASN-diol), polyethylene glycol (PEG 400), and diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI) via a one-pot method. The TASNPU30 material not only exhibits discoloration and programmable behaviors under thermal stimulation, but also shows good humidity-stimulated deformation movement as well as excellent self-healing abilities. We hope that such a TASNPU30 system will provide an effective strategy for designing multi-functional actuators and pave a new avenue for the development of biomimetic responsive devices.