Work

Antimicrobial thiol–acrylate vitrimers synthesized from glycerol and vanillin derivatives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents innovations in polymer science through the development of antimicrobial and reprocessable shape-memory vitrimers from biobased vanillin and glycerol acrylates, incorporating pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate). The addition of this thiol increased the viscosity of the resin and reduced shrinkage and rigidity, without significantly affecting the polymerization rate. Samples containing 20 wt.% of thiol exhibited self-welding and 40% self-healing efficiency after just 10 min of heating at 180 °C and without additional pressure, significantly improving mechanical properties. The ability of vitrimers to maintain a temporary shape and return to a permanent shape under temperature changes showed shape-memory behavior, making them suitable for medicine, electronics, and robotics. The mechanical properties remained consistent after three reprocessing cycles, highlighting the sustainability of the vitrimers. The antimicrobial activity of these vitrimers showed efficacy up to 100%, suitable for antimicrobial films, coatings, and 3D printed parts. Microimprint lithography enabled micrometer-scale patterns, highlighting broad practical applications of the vitrimers.

Source: Smart Materials and Structures

DOI: 10.1088/1361-665x/adbb98

Authors: Brigita Kazlauskaite, Sigita Grauzeliene, Danguole Bridziuviene, Vita Raudoniene, Egidija Rainosalo, Jolita Ostrauskaite

Institutions: Kaunas University of Technology, Nature Research Centre, Centria University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Polymer composites and self-healing

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325