Hybrid Soft Segments Boost the Development of Ultratough Thermoplastic Elastomers with Tunable Hardness

Abstract The hardness of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) significantly influences their suitability for various applications, but traditionally, enhancing hardness reduces toughness. Herein a method is introduced that leverages hybrid soft segments to fine‐tune the hardness of TPEs without compromising their exceptional toughness. Through the selective copolymerization of polytetramethylene ether glycols (PTMEGs) at various molecular weights, supramolecular poly(urethane‐urea) TPEs are molecularly engineered to cover a wide spectrum of hardness while retaining good toughness. It is achieved through the formation of graded functional zones—densely packed for enhanced hardness and strength, and loosely packed…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 21975145
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province

  Award: ZR2023JQ008