Bio‐Based Covalent Adaptable Oligorotaxane Networks

W Wenbin Wang (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing) R Ruixue Bai (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing) W Wenzhe Gao W Wei Yu Z Zhaoming Zhang (State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem-Bio Synthesis, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) X Xuzhou Yan (Renji Branch of National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of medicine)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The construction of high‐performance polymers from sustainable resources represents a forefront direction in materials science. Dynamic covalent chemistry can introduce recyclability into bio‐based cross‐linked polymers, yet a trade‐off between their mechanical robustness and reprocessability often persists. Herein, we report a synergistic integration of biomass feedstocks, dynamic covalent bonds, and mechanically interlocked architectures to create bio‐based covalent adaptable oligorotaxane networks ( OR BCANs), seamlessly combining mechanical robustness, biomass‐derived sustainability, and circular reprocessability. These networks form through catalyst‐free reactions between epoxidized soybean oil and the topologically engineered polyrotaxane. Benefiting from unique force‐responsive behaviors of the polyrotaxanes, representative OR BCAN‐ 3 exhibits exceptional mechanical properties with significantly enhanced Young's modulus (42 vs. 7.0 MPa), maximum stress (8.6 vs. 2.3 MPa), fracture strain (234% vs. 89%), and toughness (12.6 vs. 1.2 MJ/m 3 ) compared to control whose wheels are nonslidable under applied force. Furthermore, the incorporated β ‐hydroxy ester linkages enable dynamic transesterification under mild conditions, allowing the material to be efficiently reprocessed multiple times at 110°C while completely retaining its structural integrity and mechanical performance. This strategy bridges biomass‐derived platforms and mechanically interlocked architectures, opening a pathway to sustainable polymers with robust mechanical properties, extended durability, and end‐of‐life recyclability.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 29
Published July 13, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (6)

W

Wenbin Wang

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing

R

Ruixue Bai

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing

W

Wenzhe Gao

W

Wei Yu

Z

Zhaoming Zhang

State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem-Bio Synthesis, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

X

Xuzhou Yan

Renji Branch of National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of medicine