An Elastomer with Ultrahigh Strain-Induced Crystallization

This study reports the development of a novel elastomer exhibiting ultrahigh strain-induced crystallization, enabling exceptional strength, extensibility, and fatigue resistance under extreme deformation. By engineering polymer chain architecture and crystallization kinetics, the material achieved large reversible strains while maintaining high toughness and minimal hysteresis. Mechanical testing revealed stable stress–strain behavior over repeated loading cycles and enhanced durability at elevated temperatures, demonstrating the elastomer’s potential for demanding applications requiring high mechanical resilience. The work provides new insight into how strain-induced crystallization can be leveraged to overcome traditional trade-offs between elasticity, strength, and fatigue performance in soft polymer systems.