It remains challenging to simultaneously realize mechanical
robustness, malleability, and functionality in elastomers via facile
yet efficient methods. Herein, a simple strategy for the biomimetic
heterogeneous design is proposed to achieve mechanically strong, malleable,
and functionalized elastomers. We demonstrate the strategy by straightforward
mechanical mixing of a highly cross-linked vitrimeric elastomer with
a homogeneous gum and subsequent curing, resulting in heterogeneous
vitrimeric elastomers (hetero-VEs). The hetero-VEs comprise two phases:
a hard phase with dense cross-links and a soft matrix with few cross-links,
with excellent interface between the two phases. The hard phases can
be deformed upon loading, dissipating energy, which significantly
improves the overall mechanical performance of the hetero-VEs. When
conductive fillers are incorporated into the soft matrix, due to the
volume exclusion effect of the hard phases, the resultant hetero-VEs
exhibit high conductivity with a small fraction of fillers. In view
of the facile and generic preparation process, this strategy should
be a promising way to reinforce and functionalize many vitrimeric
elastomer systems.