Poly(urethane-urea) elastomers (PUUEs) have gained significant
attention recently due to their growing demand in electronic skin,
wearable electronic devices, and aerospace applications. The practical
implementation of these elastomers necessitates many exceptional properties
to ensure robust and safe utilization. However, achieving an optimal
balance between high mechanical strength, good self-healing at moderate
temperatures, and efficient flame retardancy for poly(urethane-urea)
elastomers remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we incorporated
metal coordination bonds and flame-retarding phosphinate groups into
the design of poly(urethane-urea) simultaneously, resulting in a high-strength,
self-healing, and flame-retardant elastomer, termed PNPU-2%Zn. Additional
supramolecular cross-links and plasticizing effects of phosphinate-endowed
PUUEs with relatively remarkable tensile strength (20.9 MPa), high
elastic modulus (10.8 MPa), and exceptional self-healing efficiency
(above 97%). Besides, PNPU-2%Zn possessed self-extinguishing characteristics
with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.5%. Such an elastomer with
superior properties can resist both mechanical fracture and fire hazards,
providing insights into the development of robust and high-performance
components for applications in wearable electronic devices.