This review delineates a design strategy for mechanoresponsive polymers by categorizing hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) motifs into “rigid” and “flexible” types. Rigid H-bonds, with strong directionality, provide high elasticity and strength. In contrast, flexible H-bonds, such as aliphatic diols, possess multiple, conformationally diverse binding modes. This flexibility allows for more efficient energy dissipation and network recovery under strain, leading to materials with superior dynamicity. We discuss the intrinsic effects of structural flexibility of H-bonding groups on mechanical properties, independent of solvent interactions.
- Rena Tajima
- Shintaro Nakagawa
- Naoko Yoshie
