This teaching case study employs Eucommia Ulmoides Gum (EUG), a unique bio-based polymer, as a core model to bridge theoretical principles in polymer chemistry and physics with practical material innovation. It systematically explores the molecular mechanisms behind the "isomerism yet divergent properties" of EUG and natural rubber, with a focused explanation of EUG's distinctive "rubber-plastic duality" and its innovative applications in cutting-edge fields such as shape-memory materials, self-healing systems, and green tires. Structured around a progressive instructional framework-"Fundamental Theory - Applied Innovation -Industrial Practice"—the case library is designed to help students comprehend material properties from the perspective of molecular structure and foster innovation through multi-scale design. This resource aims to enhance students' core scientific literacy and serve as exemplary teaching material for cultivating talent in the field of bio-based polymer materials.

Yujing Zuo, Mei Yan, Zhiming Gou. From Principles to Practice: Teaching Polymer Science with Eucommia Ulmoides Gum Case Studies to Foster Innovative Thinking. International Journal of New Developments in Education (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 3: 33-38. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDE.2026.080305.

[1] Yang, B.; Zhao, H.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, X.; Dong, X.; Liu, G.; Wang, D., The role of crystallization and crosslinking in the hysteresis loss of vulcanized Eucommia ulmoides gum. Crystengcomm 2023, 25 (4), 567-578.

[2] Liu, X.; Wang, X.; Kang, K.; Sun, G.; Zhu, M., Review on extraction, characteristic, and engineering of the Eucommia ulmodies rubber for industrial application. Ind. Crop. Prod. 2022, 180, 114733.

[3] Zhang, C. H.; Qin, L. J., Extraction and characterization of Eucommia ulmoides gum from Eucommia leaves by fermentation with Coprinellus disseminatus. J. Appl. Microbiol. 2025, 136 (6).

[4] Qin, L.; Wang. J., Zhang, Y., Zhang, J., Fan, Y., Technical progress in extraction of natural polymer Eucommia ulmoides gum. Mod. Chem. Ind. 2021, 12 (41), 53-58.

[5] Xie, L.; Zhang, Z., Ji, C.; He, Y.; Tao, H., Current Situation in Extraction and Large-scale Production of Eucommia ulmoides Gum and Its Development Issues. Biomass. Chemi. Engin. 2021, 4 (55), 34-42.

[6] Han, Z; Wang, Q.; Li, Y.; Liao, X.; Sun, R.; Xie, M., Enhancing mechanical, self-healing and damping properties of dual-modified Eucommia ulmoides gum by introducing epoxy and perfluoroalkyl groups. Polymer. 2024, 290, 126525.

[7] Wu, Y.; Wei, J.; Huang, H.; Cui, M., Hot melt processing strategy to modify eucommia ulmoides gum by click reaction. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2023, 140 (28), 54034.

[8] Ni, Q.; Wu, J.; Kong, P.; Wang, Y.; Li, Y.; Li, Y.; Peng, X., Inverse Vulcanization Polymer-Modified Eucommia ulmoides Gum with Enhanced Shape Memory Capability and Sound Absorption Property. Acs Appl. Polym. Mater. 2022, 4 (7), 4689-4698.

[9] Han, Z.; Zhang, H.; Li, Y.; Quan, Y.; Xie, M., Unique Damping Properties of Modified Eucommia Ulmoides Gum Bearing Polar and Branched Pendants. Chinese. J. Polym. Sci. 2023, 41 (6), 915-925.

[10] Liu, H.; Chen, W.; Yan, Q.; Chen, Q.; Hong, M.; Zhou, Z.; Fu, H., Modified Natural Eucommia Ulmoides Gum Effectively Improves the Toughness and Strength of Epoxy Resins. Acs Appl. Polym. Mater. 2024, 6 (5), 2567-2575.

[11] Yue, P.; Leng, Z.; Rao, J.; Chen, G.; Hao, X.; Bian, J.; Zhu, M.; Peng, F., Flexible conductive gasket based on Eucommia ulmoides gum and carbon fillers. Ind. Crop. Prod. 2022, 176, 114347.

[12] Han, L.; Kang, H.; Luo, T.; Hu, J.; Cui, Y.; Li, D.; Li, L.; Zhang, J.; Fang, Q., Enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness of green Eucommia ulmoides gum composites through heterogeneous and crystalline structures. Ind. Crop. Prod. 2024, 219, 119033.

[13] Kang, H.; Luo, S.; Du, H.; Han, L.; Li, D.; Li, L.; Fang, Q., Bio-Based Eucommia ulmoides Gum Composites with High Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance. Polymers-Basel. 2022, 14 (5), 970.

[14] Wang, Y.; Xia, L.; Xin, Z., Triple shape memory effect of foamed natural Eucommia ulmoides gum/high‐density polyethylene composites. Polym. Advan. Technol. 2017, 29 (1), 190-197.

[15] Wang, Y.; Pei, X.; Xia, L.; Zhang, Z.; Wang, Q.; Wang, T., Bio‐based Eucommia ulmoides gum/low density polyethylene shape memory composites reinforced by zinc methacrylate. Polym. Int. 2021, 70 (12), 1659-1667.

[16] Kang, H.; Xu, M.; Wang, H.; Li, L.; Li, J.; Fang, Q.; Zhang, J., Heat-responsive shape memory Eucommia ulmoides gum composites reinforced by zinc dimethacrylate. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2024, 141 (31), 49133.

[17] Shao, J. M.; Qiu, C.; Dong, X.; Wang, D. J., Progress in Modification Methods and Shape Memory Applications of trans-1,4-Polyisoprene (Eucommia ulmoides Gum). Acta. Polym. Sin. 2025, 56 (5), 734-753.

[18] Olejnik, O.; Masek, A., Recent progress in bio-based elastomers with intrinsic self-healing mechanisms - part I: Natural rubber modifications. J. Saudi. Chem. Soc. 2023, 27 (4), 101676.

[19] Chen, B.; Xiong, W.; Yu, X.; Xu, Z.; Liu, Y., Study on the preparation of hydroxylated Eucommia ulmoides gum and the modification of UV-curable polyurethane self-healing coating. Paint. Coatings. Ind. 2024, 54 (9), 30-37.

[20] Yue, P.; Zhang, M.; Zhao, T.; Liu, P.; Peng, F.; Yang, L., Eco-friendly epoxidized Eucommia ulmoides gum based composite coating with enhanced super-hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance properties. Ind. Crop. Prod. 2024, 214, 118523.

[21] Li, D.; Zhou, J.; Kang, H.; Li, L.; Han, W.; Fang, Q.; Wang, N.; Yang, F., Synthesis and properties of an efficient self-healing material based on Eucommia ulmoides gum. Ind. Crop. Prod. 2022, 187, 115385.

[22] Wu, W.; Cao, X.; Zou, J.; Ma, Y.; Wu, X.; Sun, C.; Li, M.; Wang, N.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, L., Triboelectric Nanogenerator Boosts Smart Green Tires. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2019, 29 (41), 1806331.