Chain Entanglement Research Articles

Choline based poly-ionic liquid as outstanding binder for Li[sbnd]S batteries

A PIL binder based on Choline, designed and synthesized via RAFT polymerization, has shown an impressive effect on the overall performance of the LiS system. The rational design of the polymer facilitates significant interactions with polysulfide species, keeping them confined within the cathodic compartment and thereby improving the system's lifespan. Although complex interactions and continuous cycling are influenced by several factors, the molecular weight of the PIL can notably affect interactions during sulfur expansion and contraction. Additionally, the entanglement of polymer chains and the anion size influence direct interactions with polysulfides.To address these variables, anion exchange and molecular weight were evaluated. Improved results were obtained with the TFSI− anion and higher molecular weight (PIL120-TFSI), which enhanced mechanical properties and resulted in better discharge capacity stability over 400 cycles, with only a 0.028 % capacity fade per cycle. This led to an impressive Coulombic efficiency of around 99 % over 400 cycles and a maximum specific capacity of 1050 mAh/g. PILs based in choline are thus excellent candidates for addressing both the chemical and mechanical challenges in LiS systems.

Epoxy resins containing sulfhydryl hyperbranched polysiloxane with desirable mechanical properties and lower curing temperature

High-performance epoxy materials often necessitate curing at high-temperature, which can lead to defects, brittleness, deformation and processing difficulties. In this paper, the modifier sulfhydryl hyperbranched polysiloxane (HSiSH) was fabricated by the “one-pot” method. And investigated the effect of HSiSH on the curing temperature, mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resin. The epoxy with the addition of 2.0 wt% HSiSH showcased superior comprehensive properties, including flexural strength of 159.37 MPa, impact strength of 24.77 kJ/m2, and tensile shear strength of 14.02 MPa, as well as the thermal properties are improved. Moreover, the presence of 2.0 wt% HSiSH can facilitate the curing process reducing the apparent activation energy by 12.25 %. The highly branched topology, chain entanglement, "rigid-flexible" -Si-O-C- segment and active groups improve the strength and toughness of the material. Simultaneously, the numerous reactive groups within HSiSH actively participate in the curing reaction, thereby enhancing the adhesion between the resin and the substrate surface which increasing the bonding performance of the adhesive. This study lays a solid theoretical foundation for developing high-performance epoxy resins cured at lower and moderate temperatures.

The kinetics of moisture sorption by hair.

The rate process of moisture sorption by human hair has been analysed in order to hints for helping deepen knowledge on the hair structure and to explain the behaviour of hair in response to moisture. The isotherms of moisture sorption by hair were recorded, via dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), for untreated (virgin) and treated (heat-shaped and bleached) hair, as well as for separated cuticle and cortex. By considering that, during moisture uptake, the hair fibres also swell, it is possible to introduce a time-dependent rate constant for describing the kinetics of the moisture sorption. This model allows for clearly separating the moisture sorption processes occurring in Cuticle and in Cortex and for proposing a role of chain entanglement in the two main compartments of the fibre. It may also provide some hints on the structural changes occurring in the fibre after different cosmetic treatments. The influence of the weight of the sample on the kinetics of the sorption process has also been noted and quantified. The analysis pointed to a transition occurring at around 30% relative humidity, assigned to the opening of the hair inner structure, and accommodation of more water molecules. This allowed for an estimate of the value of the activation energy of the water molecules reacting with the active sites, which was found to be in good agreement with results published in the literature. The analysis of the kinetics of moisture sorption by hair was shown not only to provide information on the chain entanglement inside the fibre and the effect of cosmetic treatments but also to demonstrate and quantify the influence of fibre density on the sorption process. It is thus suggested that, along with examination of the hysteresis, the analysis of sorption kinetics helps reveal a more complete picture of hair moisture management.

Highly stretchable, low-hysteresis, and antifreeze hydrogel for low-grade thermal energy harvesting in ionic thermoelectric Supercapacitors

Efficient harvest of low-grade waste heat in the environment through thermoelectric materials represents a promising strategy to address the current energy crisis. In practical applications, the mechanical properties of thermoelectric materials are crucial for their lifespan and operational environment. In this study, we designed a series of ionic thermoelectric hydrogels, PAM/CMC-xLiCl, with high mechanical properties. These hydrogels are formed by a dual network structure composed of polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), with LiCl serving as the conductive material. At room temperature, the optimal Seebeck coefficient and ionic conductivity of the hydrogels can reach 2.96 mV K−1 and 36.51 mS cm−1, respectively. Based on the physical entanglement, hydrogen bonding, and chemical crosslinking of the polymer chains within the ionic hydrogels, which demonstrate outstanding mechanical properties (elongation at break >1300 %, fracture toughness >1700 kJ m−3), maintaining 95 % resilience under a large strain of 400 %. Furthermore, due to the hydration properties of LiCl, the ionic hydrogels exhibit excellent freeze resistance and the capability to absorb moisture for self-regeneration upon drying. Lastly, the fabricated ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor can generate a thermoelectric voltage of 0.182 V under a ΔT of 12 K, with a power density of 6.68 mW m−2, showing promising prospects for application in waste heat harvest fields.

One-step soaking strategy toward mechanical double-network hydrogel

Double-network (DN) hydrogels, which comprise noncovalent interacting networks, are highly sought after due to their controlled compositions and environmental friendliness. However, the complex preparation methods hinder the application of these hydrogels. In this study, we present a simple and feasible approach for fabricating hybrid PAA-CS DN hydrogels by post-treating the PAA-CS composite hydrogels with CuSO4 solutions to induce the formation of physical networks through CS chain entanglement. The composite hydrogel, composed of chitosan (CS) and polyacrylic acid (PAA), readily transforms into a DN hydrogel after soaking in a CuSO4 solution, thanks to in situ formation of chain entanglements, hydrogen bonds, and ionic coordination. The resulting hybrid DN hydrogels exhibit porous networks, high tensile strength, and exceptional toughness. This facile but effective soaking method can be universally applied to fabricate mechanically robust hydrogels, modulate noncovalent interactions, and broaden their potential applications.

End‐Extended Conjugation Strategy to Reduce the Efficiency‐Stability‐Mechanical Robustness Gap in Binary All‐Polymer Solar Cells

AbstractConcurrently achieving high efficiency, mechanical robustness and thermal stability is critical for the commercialization of all‐polymer solar cells (APSCs). However, APSCs usually demonstrate complicated morphology, primarily attributed to the polymer chain entanglement which has a detrimental effect on their fill factors (FF) and morphology stability. To address these concerns, an end‐group extended polymer acceptor, PY‐NFT, was synthesized and studied. The morphology analysis showed a tightly ordered molecular packing mode and a favorable phase separation was formed. The PM6 : PY‐NFT‐based device achieved an exceptional PCE of 19.12 % (certified as 18.45 %), outperforming the control PM6 : PY‐FT devices (17.14 %). This significant improvement highlights the record‐high PCE for binary APSCs. The thermal aging study revealed that the PM6 : PY‐NFT blend exhibited excellent morphological stability, thereby achieving superior device stability, retaining 90 % of initial efficiency after enduring thermal stress (65 °C) for 1500 hours. More importantly, the PM6 : PY‐NFT blend film exhibited outstanding mechanical ductility with a crack onset strain of 24.1 %. Overall, rational chemical structure innovation, especially the conjugation extension strategy to trigger appropriate phase separation and stable morphology, is the key to achieving high efficiency, improved thermal stability and robust mechanical stability of APSCs.

Clay Nanosheet-Based Nanocomposite Supramolecular Hydrogel Enabling Rapid, Reversible Phase Transition Only with Visible Light.

High mechanical properties and rapid sol/gel phase transition are mutually exclusive in the hydrogels reported to date, most likely because the 3D crosslinked networks of mechanically robust hydrogels comprise bundled thick fibers that are not rapidly dissociable or formable. Herein, we report a visible light-responsive hydrogel that showed a rapid, reversible sol/gel phase transition despite its relatively high mechanical properties (storage modulus ~103 Pa). To construct its 3D crosslinked network, we used a design strategy analogous to that employed for our highly water-rich yet mechanically robust nanocomposite supramolecular hydrogel ("aqua material"). In this case, multiple poly(ethylene glycol) chains carrying ortho-tetramethoxyazobenzene termini (AzoPEG) were noncovalently crosslinked by clay nanosheets (CNSs) with surface-immobilized β-cyclodextrin units using their seven guanidinium ion (Gu+) pendants (GuCD) via a multivalent salt-bridge. When exposed to visible light at 625 and 450 nm, the azobenzene termini isomerized from trans-to-cis and cis-to-trans, respectively, and were detached from and attached to the surface-immobilized GuCD units. The advantage of this CNS-based nanocomposite supramolecular system is its simple 3D network structure, which forms and breaks rapidly without slow chain entangling and disentangling processes.

Clay Nanosheet‐Based Nanocomposite Supramolecular Hydrogel Enabling Rapid, Reversible Phase Transition Only with Visible Light

AbstractHigh mechanical properties and rapid sol/gel phase transition are mutually exclusive in the hydrogels reported to date, most likely because the 3D crosslinked networks of mechanically robust hydrogels comprise bundled thick fibers that are not rapidly dissociable or formable. Herein, we report a visible light‐responsive hydrogel that showed a rapid, reversible sol/gel phase transition despite its relatively high mechanical properties (storage modulus ~103 Pa). To construct its 3D crosslinked network, we used a design strategy analogous to that employed for our highly water‐rich yet mechanically robust nanocomposite supramolecular hydrogel (“aqua material”). In this case, multiple poly(ethylene glycol) chains carrying ortho‐tetramethoxyazobenzene termini (AzoPEG) were noncovalently crosslinked by clay nanosheets (CNSs) with surface‐immobilized β‐cyclodextrin units using their seven guanidinium ion (Gu+) pendants (GuCD) via a multivalent salt‐bridge. When exposed to visible light at 625 and 450 nm, the azobenzene termini isomerized from trans‐to‐cis and cis‐to‐trans, respectively, and were detached from and attached to the surface‐immobilized GuCD units. The advantage of this CNS‐based nanocomposite supramolecular system is its simple 3D network structure, which forms and breaks rapidly without slow chain entangling and disentangling processes.

Multi-functional Gleditsia sinensis galactomannan-based hydrogel with highly stretchable, adhesive, and antibacterial properties as wound dressing for accelerating wound healing

Design and development of a multifunctional wound dressing with self-healing, adhesive, and antibacterial properties to attain optimal wound closure efficiency are highly desirable in clinical applications. Nevertheless, conventional hydrogels face significant barriers in their mechanical strength, adhesive performance, and antibacterial properties. Herein, a tough hydrogel based on aldehyde-grafted galactomannan was synthesized through radical copolymerization and Schiff base reaction, incorporating hyaluronic acid, acrylamide, and the zwitterionic monomer to create a multi-crosslinked structure. The multiple crosslink structure pattern consisting of multiple hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, reversible Schiff bases bonds, and molecular chain entanglement endowed this hydrogel with multiple functionalities, including high tensile strength (25 kPa), tensile strain (2200 %), toughness (391.59 kJ/m3), and Young's modulus (9.77 kPa). The presence of catechol groups and zwitterionic groups endow hydrogels with outstanding adhesion strength (42.21 kPa), which satisfied the adhesive demand for the ample motion of specific areas. The zwitterionic monomer provided long-lasting antibacterial properties and promoted migration and growth of negatively charged cells, capable of establishing efficient antibacterial barriers and serving as wound dressing. The in vivo and vitro experiments manifested that the optimized hydrogel demonstrated an inconspicuous inflammatory response, facilitating rapid healing of full-thickness skin wound in rat models. Therefore, this work provides a promising strategy and an ideal candidate for wound healing dressings in treating infected skin wounds.

Robust tetra-armed poly (ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel as tissue bioadhesive for the efficient repair of meniscus tears.

Repair and preservation of the injured meniscus has become paramount in clinical practice. However, the complexities of various clinic stitching techniques for meniscus repair pose challenges for grassroots doctors. Hence, there is a compelling interest in innovative therapeutic strategies such as bioadhesives. An ideal bioadhesive must cure quickly in aqueous and blood environments, bind strongly, endure arthroscopic washing pressures, and degrade appropriately for tissue regeneration. Here, we present a tetra-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel bioadhesive, boasting high biocompatibility, ultrafast gelation, facile injectable operation, and favorable mechanical strength. In view of the synergistic effects of chemical anchor and physical chain entanglement to tightly bind the meniscus, a seamless interface was formed between the surrounding meniscal tissues and hydrogels, enabling the longitudinal tear of the meniscus fused in situ to withstand large tensile force with the adhesive strength of 541.5±31.4kPa and arthroscopic washout resistance of 29.4kPa. Superior to existing commercial adhesives, ours allows sutureless application and arthroscopic assistance, without requiring specialized clinical skills. This research is expected to significantly impact our understanding of meniscal healing and ultimately promote a simpler process for achieving functional and structural recovery in torn menisci.

Tailoring the Mechanical Properties and Foaming Behaviors of PLA/P4HB Blends by Using P4HB‐g‐GMA as Compatibilizer

ABSTRACTSynthetic poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), a flexible and biodegradable polymer, shows great promise in improving the toughness of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), but the inherent immiscibility of PLA and P4HB compromises the toughening efficiency. To address this issue, P4HB grafted glycidyl methacrylate (P4HB‐g‐GMA) is synthesized for the purpose of enhancing the compatibility within the PLA/P4HB blend. The epoxy groups on P4HB‐g‐GMA can form strong chemical bonds with PLA chains and remain compatible with P4HB. Rheological data confirm that adding P4HB‐g‐GMA enhances polymer chain entanglement. Therefore, the phase interface of the blend becomes more diffuse, leading to improved mechanical performance. Specifically, a 3D‐printed PLA/P4HB/P4HB‐g‐GMA blend containing 8% P4HB‐g‐GMA (PLA/P4HB/G8) achieves an elongation at break of 161.5%, approximately 22.7 times higher than that of a PLA/P4HB blend without the modifier. Moreover, the PLA/P4HB/G8 blends show a higher volume expansion ratio (VER) and better cell morphology due to the increased melt strength from P4HB‐g‐GMA. This study demonstrates a simple and efficient method to improve the compatibility between PLA and P4HB, resulting in superior mechanical performance of PLA/P4HB blends and broadening their potential applications in foaming.

Design strategy of super tough hydrophobic bamboo framework composites with internal network entanglement reinforcing structure

The low strength and high hygroscopicity of natural bamboo limit its use in structural building materials. Herein, lignin and hemicellulose were partially removed from natural bamboo in order to create bamboo frameworks featuring well-aligned bamboo fibers. Subsequently, these bamboo frameworks (BF) are infused with epoxy resin (EP) modified with PDMS and subjected to hot-pressing to fabricate bamboo-epoxy composites (PDMS-EP/BF). The incorporation of flexible PDMS chains facilitated intermolecular chain entanglement, which inhibited crack propagation and improved the bonding between bamboo and EP. The findings of the research indicated that the PDMS-EP/BF composites exhibited a significant enhancement in flexural strength by 98%, modulus of elasticity by 129%, toughness by 399%, and tensile strength by 177% when compared to natural bamboo. Additionally, the modification led to a decrease in the surface energy of the composites, resulting in increased hydrostatic contact angle and imparting water repellency to the material. Compared to natural bamboo, PDMS-EP/BF has 309% higher water contact angle and 143% lower surface energy. In addition, large composites have been prepared and their interface strength was tested. The findings of the study offer insights into the potential enhancement of bamboo composites to achieve increased flexural strength, modulus, and toughness. This could expand the utilization and significance of bamboo in the realm of construction materials.

Asymmetrified Benzothiadiazole‐Based Solid Additives Enable All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 19 %

AbstractDisordered polymer chain entanglements within all‐polymer blends limit the formation of optimal donor‐acceptor phase separation. Therefore, developing effective methods to regulate morphology evolution is crucial for achieving optimal morphological features in all‐polymer organic solar cells (APSCs). In this study, two isomers, 4,5‐difluorobenzo‐c‐1,2,5‐thiadiazole (SF‐1) and 5,6‐difluorobenzo‐c‐1,2,5‐thiadiazole (SF‐2), were designed as solid additives based on the widely‐used electron‐deficient benzothiadiazole unit in nonfullerene acceptors. The incorporation of SF‐1 or SF‐2 into PM6 : PY‐DT blend induces stronger molecular packing via molecular interaction, leading to the formation of continuous interpenetrated networks with suitable phase‐separation and vertical distribution. Furthermore, after treatment with SF‐1 and SF‐2, the exciton diffusion lengths for PY‐DT films are extended to over 40 nm, favoring exciton diffusion and charge transport. The asymmetrical SF‐2, characterized by an enhanced dipole moment, increases the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6 : PY‐DT‐based device to 18.83 % due to stronger electrostatic interactions. Moreover, a ternary device strategy boosts the PCE of SF‐2‐treated APSC to over 19 %. This work not only demonstrates one of the best performances of APSCs but also offers an effective approach to manipulate the morphology of all‐polymer blends using rational‐designed solid additives.

Asymmetrified Benzothiadiazole-Based Solid Additives Enable All-Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 19 .

Disordered polymer chain entanglements within all-polymer blends limit the formation of optimal donor-acceptor phase separation. Therefore, developing effective methods to regulate morphology evolution is crucial for achieving optimal morphological features in all-polymer organic solar cells (APSCs). In this study, two isomers, 4,5-difluorobenzo-c-1,2,5-thiadiazole (SF-1) and 5,6-difluorobenzo-c-1,2,5-thiadiazole (SF-2), were designed as solid additives based on the widely-used electron-deficient benzothiadiazole unit in nonfullerene acceptors. The incorporation of SF-1 or SF-2 into PM6 : PY-DT blend induces stronger molecular packing via molecular interaction, leading to the formation of continuous interpenetrated networks with suitable phase-separation and vertical distribution. Furthermore, after treatment with SF-1 and SF-2, the exciton diffusion lengths for PY-DT films are extended to over 40 nm, favoring exciton diffusion and charge transport. The asymmetrical SF-2, characterized by an enhanced dipole moment, increases the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6 : PY-DT-based device to 18.83 % due to stronger electrostatic interactions. Moreover, a ternary device strategy boosts the PCE of SF-2-treated APSC to over 19 %. This work not only demonstrates one of the best performances of APSCs but also offers an effective approach to manipulate the morphology of all-polymer blends using rational-designed solid additives.

Enhancing the stereocomplex crystallization of PLLA/PDLA symmetric blend by controlling the degree of molecular chain entanglement

In order to enhance the content of stereocomplex crystals (SC) in poly l-lactic acid (PLLA)/poly d-lactic acid (PDLA) symmetric blend, thereby improving the defects of low crystallinity and poor heat resistance of polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials, the samples with different entanglement degrees were prepared by freezing extration method. The critical overlap concentration of the blend system was quantitatively obtained using an Ubbelohde viscometer. Based on this concentration, samples with a series of concentration gradient were prepared to control the different degrees of molecular chain entanglement inside. The results indicated that the chain disentanglement could greatly increase the content of SC in the blend, whether in the precipitation crystallization or the melt crystallization process. Especially after the isothermal crystallization for 30min at 130 °C, the L/D-0.1 sample with the highest degree of disentanglement almost only formed SC, accounting for 95.2 % of the total crystallinity. Samples with lower entanglement degree had more crystal nuclei and faster growth rate of formed spherulites. For completely entangled sample L/D-50, the crystal nucleus of homo-crystalls (HC) could be considered as SC. Besides, the Vicat softening temperature (VST) of L/D-0.1 sample increased from 79.9 °C of L/D-50 sample to 103.8 °C with an obvious increase of 24.9 °C. All these results provide new ideas for improving the performance of PLA-based materials and show promising development prospects of green and sustainable polymers.

Global value and wealth chains in contemporary capitalism: Editorial introduction

This introduction to a special section on global value chains and global wealth chains elaborates on the concept of entanglement as a way to understand dynamics of value capture, accumulation and inequality in contemporary capitalism. The authors first review the analytical framework they have proposed for analyzing entangled chains based on two dimensions: 1) the relative importance of intangible versus tangible assets; and (2) the primary strategy of lead firms – specifically, whether that strategy is oriented towards value creation or wealth accumulation activities. They then briefly discuss the four papers comprising this special section which collectively advance our knowledge of how production and finance are imbricated in the global political economy.

Toward new applications of terpenes in polymeric materials: Synthesis and characterization of myrcene‐modified unsaturated polyester resins

Abstractβ‐Myrcene, a terpenic monomer, holds potential for developing sustainable polymer‐based materials with enhanced properties. This study examines the synthesis of a myrcene‐based monomer and its incorporation into unsaturated polyesters, focusing on polymerization, curing, and final properties. Unsaturated polyesters were synthesized with varying myrcene‐based monomer content (6, 12, and 24 mol%), phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. Polymerization achieved conversion values of 0.92–0.93, resulting in polyesters with molar masses between 1400 and 1700 g mol−1 and dispersity indices of 2.0 to 2.3. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) demonstrated short branch formation in myrcene‐modified polyesters and a high maleate‐to‐fumarate isomerization rate (92.66%–95.7%), affecting carbon–carbon double bonds per polyester mole (2.27 to 4.28) and final resin performance. Rheological analysis in a styrene solution (70/30 wt%) indicated shear‐thinning behavior, with viscosities ranging from 0.59 to 3.8 Pa·s, suggesting branching affects chain entanglement. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed decreased curing enthalpy with increasing myrcene content, and it was inferred that myrcene's double bonds did not participate in curing. Glass transition temperatures of cured polyesters (70–107 °C) correlate with enthalpy trends. Thermal stability of myrcene‐modified polyesters is similar to the reference polyester, highlighting myrcene's potential as a sustainable monomer for customizable unsaturated polyesters.

Rheological analysis of network structure of raw natural rubber prepared by different processing techniques

The performance of raw natural rubber (NR) is dominated by its network structure, particular the levels of long chain branching (LCB) and entanglement. Here, three type of raw rubbers were prepared using different processing methods for commercial grade NRs. Linear and nonlinear viscoelastic behaviors, as well as stress relaxation, were analyzed to access their network structures. The third relative harmonic, phase angle, and first to second quarter-period integral ratio of stress curve were utilized as indicators for the nonlinearity of samples. By combining these values with flow activation energy and characteristic times, it can be confirmed that naturally coagulated NR showed higher elasticity than acid-coagulated NR due to high levels of LCB and entanglement, and hot air drying could lead to chain degradation. These findings correlated with molecular weight parameters, gel content and Mooney viscosity results. This research establishes a method for monitoring raw NR quality and predicting its properties.

Molding blends of silicone polymer / polypropylene with durable resistant to extreme conditions based on migration and compatibility of molecular chains

Because of low surface energy, silicone polymers would easily peel off from polypropylene (PP) substrate as hydrophobic coatings and they are incompatible with PP in melt-blending process as well. Therefore, ethylene polymers modified with both silicone and alkane side-groups were prepared by nucleophilic substitution in this work. It was confirmed that these prepared polymers could migrate and aggregate to the surface of the blends at that melting temperature when blended with PP due to the low surface energy and high entropy of silicone side groups. Meanwhile, chain entanglement was achieved between alky side-groups of silicone polymers and polymer chain of PP by melt-blending process, so that the compatibility of the blends was improved and the bonding force of two polymers increased simultaneously. Accordingly, molding blends with stable and durable hydrophobility were successfully gained based on migration of silicone and entanglement of alkane and PP. It’s noticeable that the water contact angle of the blend remained to be about 106° from 113°, even soaking in acid (pH = 1) and alkali (pH = 14) solutions, deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, or under multiple strong frictions. This will provide a facile and effective strategy to endow general materials with durable antifouling properties directly by injection molding without additional coating.

End-Extended Conjugation Strategy to Reduce the Efficiency-Stability-Mechanical Robustness Gap in Binary All-Polymer Solar Cells.

Concurrently achieving high efficiency, mechanical robustness and thermal stability is critical for the commercialization of all-polymer solar cells (APSCs). However, APSCs usually demonstrate complicated morphology, primarily attributed to the polymer chain entanglement which has a detrimental effect on their fill factors (FF) and morphology stability. To address these concerns, an end-group extended polymer acceptor, PY-NFT, was synthesized and studied. The morphology analysis showed a tightly ordered molecular packing mode and a favorable phase separation was formed. The PM6 : PY-NFT-based device achieved an exceptional PCE of 19.12 % (certified as 18.45 %), outperforming the control PM6 : PY-FT devices (17.14 %). This significant improvement highlights the record-high PCE for binary APSCs. The thermal aging study revealed that the PM6 : PY-NFT blend exhibited excellent morphological stability, thereby achieving superior device stability, retaining 90 % of initial efficiency after enduring thermal stress (65 °C) for 1500 hours. More importantly, the PM6 : PY-NFT blend film exhibited outstanding mechanical ductility with a crack onset strain of 24.1 %. Overall, rational chemical structure innovation, especially the conjugation extension strategy to trigger appropriate phase separation and stable morphology, is the key to achieving high efficiency, improved thermal stability and robust mechanical stability of APSCs.