Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Epoxy vitrimers have attracted significant research attention due to their reprocessability, malleability, and potential self-healing capability. In this study, we successfully synthesized two vitrimers based on a bulky diepoxide monomer, 9,9-bis(4-glycidyloxyphenyl)fluorene (DGBPEF) and zinc catalysts. When DGBPEF reacted with flexible Pripol 1040, a soft vitrimer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 45 °C and a topology freezing transition temperature (Tv) of 207 °C was obtained. When DGBPEF reacted with glutaric anhydride, a hard vitrimer with a Tg of 166 oC and a Tv of 235 °C was obtained. While both samples exhibited good reprocessability upon hot-pressing around Tv, their surface scratches could not self-heal autonomously without applying pressure. Surface-functionalized superparamagnetic γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (~20 nm) were dispersed into the soft vitrimer matrix to prepare nanocomposites. At a nanoparticle loading of 5 wt.%, the application of an oscillating magnetic field induced rapid induction heating, raising the nanocomposite temperature to 240–250 °C (well above the Tv) within 5–10 minutes, which enabled effective autonomous self-healing of surface scratches. In contrast, no self-healing was observed when the nanocomposite was directly heated in a vacuum oven at 240 °C. This difference is attributed to the possible migration of γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles toward the crack site under an oscillating magnetic field, which enhances localized heating and triggers the autonomous self-healing response.
Source: Frontiers in Materials
Authors: Jiahao Huang, Shixian Zhang, Qing Wang, Lei Zhu
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416935982