Rheological behavior and thermomechanical properties of polyethylene—Glycidyl methacrylate vitrimers utilizing disulfide exchange

Four vitrimers were made using polyethylene – glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (PE-GMA) and 3,3′ dithiodipropionic acid (DTDPA) a two-step procedure. The amount of DTDPA added was varied, therefore, the crosslink density also varied. Rheological experiments performed. exhibit different rheological behavior depending on angular frequency applied, which most likely stems from presence crosslinked network. Additionally, there appears to be an on-going reaction occurring during tests, all occur above melting temperature. Thermal mechanical tests conducted. Thermomechanical testing determined that increasing resulted in decrease yield strength.