Synthesis, curing process and thermal reversible mechanism of UV curable polyurethane based on Diels-Alder structure

•The first time to synthesize a UV curable resin based on Diels-Alder (DA) structures.•Curing process and thermal reversible mechanism of the UV curing film were studied.•The cured film exhibited excellent physical properties and acceptable thermostability.•The highly cross-linked UV network may turn into a linear polymer with heat treatment.•Expected to be improved to self-healing, biodegradable, recyclable UV-curing coatings.