Mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain networks

Abstract

•An innovative concept of mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain networks (DCMINs) •A supramolecular polymerization followed by an interlocking strategy for preparing DCMINs •An unexploited mechanism of force-induced inward contractile motion of [an]daisy chains •The relationship between microscopic motions and macroscopic mechanical performances Mechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) are capable of synchronously directing force and motion empowered by collective mechanical bonds, thus constituting a versatile platform for developing advanced polymer materials. However, it is still a significant challenge to facilely prepare structurally complicated MIPs. Herein, we describe a supramolecular polymerization followed by an interlocking strategy to construct [an]daisy chain-based MIPs, namely, mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain networks (DCMINs). On account of the linkage of continuous mechanical bonds, the cyclic components on the [an]daisy chain backbones of DCMINs are capable of undergoing a synergistic inward movement under external force and thus maximizing the contractile motion, which represents an unexploited motional way. The synchronous motions of coherent [an]daisy chains could be readily activated to adapt to the network deformation and efficiently dissipate energy, thereby leading to enhanced mechanical performances of DCMINs. These findings provide a guiding principle to fabricate mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain materials with emergent mechanical properties. Mechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) are capable of synchronously directing force and motion empowered by collective mechanical bonds, thus constituting a versatile platform for developing advanced polymer materials. However, it is still a significant challenge to facilely prepare structurally complicated MIPs. Herein, we describe a supramolecular polymerization followed by an interlocking strategy to construct [an]daisy chain-based MIPs, namely, mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain networks (DCMINs). On account of the linkage of continuous mechanical bonds, the cyclic components on the [an]daisy chain backbones of DCMINs are capable of undergoing a synergistic inward movement under external force and thus maximizing the contractile motion, which represents an unexploited motional way. The synchronous motions of coherent [an]daisy chains could be readily activated to adapt to the network deformation and efficiently dissipate energy, thereby leading to enhanced mechanical performances of DCMINs. These findings provide a guiding principle to fabricate mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain materials with emergent mechanical properties.