Heat‐ and Light‐Responsive Materials Through Pairing Dynamic Thiol–Michael and Coumarin Chemistry

Abstract Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) based on the thiol–Michael (TM) linkages can be thermal and pH responsive. Here, a new vinyl‐sulfone‐based thiol–Michael crosslinker is synthesized and incorporated into acrylate‐based CANs to achieve stable materials with dynamic properties. Because of the reversible TM linkages, excellent temperature‐responsive re‐healing and malleability properties are achieved. In addition, for the first time, a photoresponsive coumarin moiety is incorporated with TM‐based CANs to introduce light‐mediated reconfigureability and postpolymerization crosslinking. Overall, these materials can be on demand dynamic in response to heat and light but can retain mechanical stability at ambient condition.