Multifunctional acrylic vitrimers: advances in dynamic covalent chemistry and sustainable synthesis
摘要
Vitrimers constitute a significant advance in polymer chemistry, uniting the robust mechanical strength and stability characteristics of thermosets with the capacity for reshaping, molding, and recycling at elevated temperatures above the topology freezing point (Tv). While acrylic polymers constitute a cornerstone of the modern materials landscape, the vast majority remain intractable thermosets with limited end-of-life options. Integrating dynamic covalent chemistries to create acrylic vitrimers addresses this urgent sustainability challenge, yet this specific class of materials remains surprisingly underexplored compared with other vitrimer systems. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the core design principles, dynamic chemistries, structure–property relationships, and key applications of acrylic-based vitrimers. We analyze the influence of key dynamic covalent chemistries, including transesterification, boronic ester, acetal exchange, disulfide exchange, carboxy exchange, and vinylogous urethane exchange, on the mechanical, thermal, and reprocessability characteristics of these materials. Innovative design methods capable of coupling noncovalent interactions with biomass resources are promoted because of their ability to improve the mechanical robustness of vitrimers with high adaptability. In addition, the discussion highlights emerging advances in modern manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and recycling, as pivotal developments that position vitrimers at the forefront of efforts to achieve a circular economy in the polymer industry.