Vitrimers are a new class of stimuli-responsive polymers which undergo dynamic covalent reaction while keeping a constant cross-link density. Some of the significant attributes of these materials include shape memory and self healing, which has opened up avenues for a wide range of applications. Some of the key challenges of these materials are the lack of control of the exchange kinetics, poor mechanical integrity (brittleness), and slow response time. This study incorporates MoS2 nanoparticles as reinforcement materials in a vitrimer composite to a) improve the toughness through efficient load transfer, and b) advance the stimuli response through harnessing electro-optical properties. A systematic processing technique was developed to ensure excellent dispersion of the nanocomposites of high weight percentage of MoS2 in a DGEBA/Sebacic/TBD system. The detailed characterization using in-situ FT-IR, DSC, DMA, AFM-IR enabled insights into the local polymer network and interphase formation with various solvents and surface functionality of MoS2. High-resolution TEM, SEM, AFM, and nano-X-ray computed tomography provided an understanding of 3D dispersion status of these nanosheets. The incorporation of MoS2 into the vitrimer significantly improves mechanical properties, and produces an excellent shape memory effect with near IR sensitivity.

MoS<sub>2</sub> dispersed epoxy vitrimer composite: Role of solvent and surface chemistry of MoS2 on network formation, mechanics, and stimuli response

255th National Meeting (2018)

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MoS2 dispersed epoxy vitrimer composite: Role of solvent and surface chemistry of MoS2 on network formation, mechanics, and stimuli response

MoS₂ dispersed epoxy vitrimer composite: Role of solvent and surface chemistry of MoS2 on network formation, mechanics, and stimuli response