Vitrimerization of Poly(butylene succinate) By Reactive Melt Mixing Using Zn(II) Epoxy-Vitrimer Chemistry

Vitrimers constitute a new class of covalent adaptable networks (CANs), in which thermally stimulated associative exchange reactions allow the topological rearrangement dynamic network while keeping number bonds and crosslink density constant. The current study proposed solvent-free method to synthesize vitrimers by reactive melt mixing using commercial biobased/biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene succinate), PBS. More specifically, two-step process was followed; first step involved PBS with crosslinker (diglycidyl ether bisphenol A, DGEBA) transesterification catalyst (Zinc(II) acetylacetonate hydrate, Zn(acac)2) twin-screw mini-compounder, order incorporate epoxy groups polymer backbone. second (vitrimerization) comprised crosslinking homogenous mixtures vacuum oven at 170 °C, resulting formation crosslinked moieties serving as crosslinkers. By tuning content (0–10% mol respect repeating unit) Zinc(II) ratio (0 1), tailor-made were prepared high insolubility improved strength. Moreover, could still be reprocessed compression molding after crosslinking, enables recycling process. This work made possible “Basic Research Programme, NTUA, PEVE 2020 NTUA” [PEVE0050] National Technical University Athens is gratefully acknowledged.