Movable Cross-linking in Adhesives: Superior Stretching and Adhesion Properties via a Supramolecular Sliding Effect

Cross-linking is an essential element in enhancing polymers’ mechanical properties in adhesives, elastomers, and hydrogels. However, covalent cross-linking introduces a trade-off relationship between cohesive interactions and chain mobility of polymers, thus restricting stretching and adhesion properties. Herein, a supramolecular cross-linker is synthesized by giving an acrylate functional group to β-cyclodextrin. The supramolecular cross-linker shows a sliding effect in polymers with a threaded structure via the cavity of β-cyclodextrin. Compared to conventional adhesives, the supramolecular cross-linked adhesives exhibit exceptional stretching and adhesion properties because of their retained chain mobility from the sliding effect. This approach for movable cross-linking could widen adhesives’ application by overcoming the restrictions of conventional cross-linking.