Work

Catalyst Influence on the Crystallization Behaviors and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Vitrimers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyethylene (PE)-derived vitrimers represent a promising class of reprocessable materials that combine the desirable properties of semicrystalline polyolefins with dynamic covalent networks. In this study, we investigate the influence of transesterification catalyst identity and loading on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of vitrimers formed from maleated linear low-density PE crosslinked with diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA). Four catalysts, including zinc-(II) stearate, zinc-(II) acetylacetonate, zinc-(II) acetate, and manganese-(II) acetate, were studied across a range of loadings. Through thermal and mechanical characterization, we demonstrate that catalyst selection can play a critical role in controlling network formation and crystallization kinetics, in part due to their ability to act as nucleating agents and influence crystallization activation energies across varying cooling rates. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how dynamic chemistry of vitrimers can be leveraged to impact processing conditions and mechanical performance of semicrystalline polyolefin systems.

Source: Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5c02354

Authors: Sara Valdez, Zhe Qiang

Institution: University of Southern Mississippi

Language: English

Topic: Polymer composites and self-healing

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund