Vitrimer as a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Thermoset: Recent Progress and Future Prospective

Thermosetting resins are widely applied thanks to their excellent comprehensive performance. However, their permanently cross-linked networks pose significant challenges for recyclability, raising serious concerns regarding human health and environmental impact. In recent years, vitrimer, a novel class of polymer that combines the properties of thermosets and thermoplastics, has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional thermosets. In this review, the origin, development, and network regulation strategies of vitrimer are briefly introduced. Common dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) that can be applied to fabricate vitrimers include Schiff base, ester, disulfide, and silyl ether. This review highlights the recent development of vitrimers based on these DCBs. Finally, emerging development trends are discussed, and strategic recommendations are proposed to accelerate the commercial adoption of high-performance vitrimers.