Shape recovery and reprocessing of polyurethane networks crosslinked via host-guest inclusion complexation of adamantane with β-cyclodextrin

In this contribution, we reported a novel strategy to crosslink polyurethane (PU) via host-guest inclusion complexations. First, a linear PU with adamantane (Ad) as side groups was synthesized with a 1,3-diol bearing adamantane as the chain extender. Thereafter, this linear PU was crosslinked with a poly(beta-cyclodextrin) through host-guest inclusion complexations to afford PU-Ad-CD networks. In comparison with the linear PU, the PU-AdCD networks exhibited improved mechanical properties with the Young's modulus of 43.21 MPa, which was more than eight times as that of the linear PU. The formation of inclusion complexes enabled the PU-Ad-CD networks to display reprocessing properties. In addition, the shape memory properties of the networks featured the reconfigurability of original shape with the aid of the exchange of the host-guest inclusion complexations. This study provides new insights into the development of high-performance PU materials.