Vitrimer-like Materials Prepared via Reversible Conjugate Substitution: From Simplified Preparation to Tough Acrylic Glass

Vitrimer-like elastomer were prepared via reversible carboxy exchange between poly(ethyl acrylate- co -acrylic acid) and 1,6-hexylene bis[2-(acetoxymethyl)acrylate] ( 1-Ac ) using a 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane catalyst. Compared with cross-link formation using bis[2-(bromomethyl)acrylate] ( 1-Br ), this method requires only the mixing of reagents and drying. While the cross-linking process showed minimal effects on the thermal and rheological properties in the above examples, distinct differences emerged in the polymer blend cross-linking. Vitrimer-like resins prepared from 1-Br and polyacrylate/polymethacrylate blends exhibited single α-relaxation temperature ( T α ), whereas those prepared using 1-Ac exhibited two T α, suggesting microphase separation. The blend vitrimers was a tough acrylic glass with a large plastic deformation.