Tough, self-healing and recyclable polyurea elastomer with dual dynamic crosslinked networks for sustainable flexible strain sensors

ions, as confirmed by theoretical simulations and polarized light imaging. Benefiting from the formation of the dual dynamic crosslinked networks, the elastomer demonstrated superior self-healing capability with a healing efficiency of 93.5% at 60 °C for 24 h and remarkable recyclability through hot-press and solvent recycling methods with tensile strength retentions of 80.0% and 99.3% after three recycling cycles, respectively. In addition, a polyurea-elastomer-based tubular flexible strain sensor with liquid metal as a conductive substance for object recognition was highly sensitive, completely recyclable, and capable of self-healing. The findings in this work conceivably represent a new methodology for the preparation of high-performance, functional and sustainable elastomers and flexible sensors.