We first show through computational simulations and experiments that mechanochromic molecules, spiropyrans (SPs), were activated by force in Diels–Alder (DA) reaction-based CANs. Owing to the mechanochromic SP molecules and thermally reversible DA networks, these thermosets indicated damage with colour and fluorescence signals and autonomously repaired it with thermal treatment. While maintaining high solvent resistivity and good mechanical performance, they were reprocessed up to fifteen times without degrading the mechanical, damage-reporting, and self-healing properties.
- Subin Yoon
- Jong Ho Choi
- Tae Ann Kim
