Pages 539–542
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
Developing aroma-infused, flexible, and self-healing polymers for durable and high-performance fabrics remains a complex and unmet challenge. In this study, we introduce a dynamic Schiff base-based aromatic self-healing system designed to improve the durability and mechanical resilience of flexible fabrics. The material is based on dynamic aromatic Schiff base linkages formed between cinnamaldehyde and an organosilane, integrated into a polyurethane matrix to produce a flexible functional coating. Self-healing arises from reversible imine bonds supported by hydrogen-bonding interactions between siloxane units and polyurethane chains. Under mild UV activation (365 nm), rapid healing occurs within 20 minutes while retaining a characteristic woody aroma. The film exhibited good mechanical performance, with 68% elongation in the undamaged state and an elongation recovery of 275% after healing, corresponding to a healing efficiency of 65%. When applied by scalable dip and spray coating methods, the coating enhanced mechanical performance and damage resistance, with dip coating providing more uniform coverage and higher healing efficiency. Coated leather showed effective crack healing within 20 minutes, with 76% healing efficiency, and tear resistance of 39 N/mm after healing. Overall, this aroma-functionalized self-healing polyurethane demonstrates strong adhesion, rapid recovery, and sustained fragrance release making it a competent coating material for advanced textile and leather applications.