Vitrimers are chemically cross-linked networks that can rearrange their topology without decreasing their cross-linking density thanks to exchangeable links present in the network. As a result, vitrimers can be reshaped and recycled at will while being insoluble at every temperature. The concept of vitrimer was first introduced in 2011 with epoxy-based systems relying on transesterification as associative exchange reaction. Since then, it has been extended to other exchange reactions and polymer matrices prepared by step-growth polymerization, and has demonstrated a great potential to bring malleability, shape memory or weldability to permanently cross-linked networks and composites. In this presentation, the design and synthesis of vitrimers made of polymers prepared by chain-growth polymerization, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene or polyethylene, will be discussed. Their synthesis in solution or in the melt, using reactive processing, as well as their ability to be processed multiple times with thermoplastic techniques will be presented. Finally, the thermomechanical and chemical resistances of these vitrimers will exemplified and compared to that of their thermoplastic precursors.

Vitrimers from commodity thermoplastics through dioxaborolane metathesis

254th National Meeting (2017)

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