Epoxy vitrimers are crosslinked epoxy networks whose junctions are dynamic covalent bonds that exchange without dissolving the network [1]. The resin is cured with a hardener carrying the exchangeable linkage, typically an ester, a disulfide or a boronate ester, so the topology rearranges while the crosslink density is preserved [1]. Above the topology freezing transition the exchange rate exceeds the relaxation of the network, and the solid flows as a glass-forming liquid while remaining insoluble [1]. Below that temperature the same network behaves as a conventional thermoset [2]. Because the exchange is associative, the number of bonds stays constant throughout the rearrangement [3].
- vitrimer network
- dynamic covalent bond
- transesterification
- topology freezing transition
- associative exchange
Synthesis and properties of polymers·Polymers and Plastics·Materials Science·Physical Sciences
References
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