Biomimetic Supramolecular Polymer Networks Exhibiting both Toughness and Self-Recovery.

Biomimetic supramolecular dual networks: By mimicking the structure/function model of titin, integration of dynamic cucurbit[8]uril mediated host-guest interactions with a trace amount of covalent cross-linking leads to hierarchical dual networks with intriguing toughness, strength, elasticity, and energy dissipation properties. Dynamic host-guest interactions can be dissociated as sacrificial bonds and their facile reformation results in self-recovery of the dual network structure as well as its mechanical properties.