Review on Vitrimers: Structure, Properties, Applications, and Future Perspectives
Subject Areas : پلیمرهای شیشه گونه (ویتریمرها) با کارایی بالاMohammad Javad Fotros 1 , jafar Khademzadeh Yeganeh 2
1 - Tehran, Amirkabir University of Technology, Department of Polymer Engineering
2 -
Keywords: vitrimers, dynamic covalent networks, self-healing, polymer recycling, bio-based materials,
Abstract :
Vitrimers, as a new generation of dynamic covalent networks, integrate unique advantages of both thermosets and thermoplastics. Unlike conventional thermosets, which become irreversibly crosslinked after curing and therefore lack recyclability or reprocessability, vitrimers are capable of undergoing bond-exchange reactions at elevated temperatures while preserving their mechanical stability. This property has positioned vitrimers as highly valuable candidates for achieving a polymer circular economy, enabling mechanical and chemical recycling, reprocessing, self-healing, and the fabrication of advanced composites. In the past decade, vitrimer chemistry has expanded beyond epoxy-based systems to include polyester-, polyurethane-, and bio-based networks. Such structural diversity has opened new opportunities for applications in adhesives, coatings, flexible electronics, and biomedical engineering. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain before widespread commercialization can be realized. These include reliance on metal-based catalysts, high topology-freezing transition temperatures (Tv), limitations in mechanical properties and creep resistance, and issues related to industrial scalability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical fundamentals and bond-exchange mechanisms underlying vitrimer behavior, alongside their structural types and characteristic properties. Furthermore, recent advances and emerging applications are discussed, with emphasis on both the technological promise and the practical challenges that must be addressed. Finally, the future outlook highlights the development of catalyst-free systems, the design of bio-based monomers, and the incorporation of nanofillers to enhance mechanical robustness and environmental sustainability. These pathways point toward a new era in which vitrimers can serve as key materials for advanced and sustainable polymer-based technologies.
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