Effect of dynamic bond concentration on the mechanical properties of vitrimers

Abstract

The presence of dynamic covalent bonds allows vitrimers to undergo topology alterations and display self-healing properties. Herein, we study the influence of varying the concentration of dynamic bonds on the macroscopic properties of hybrid vitrimer networks by subjecting them to triaxial stretching tests using molecular simulations. Results show that the presence of dynamic bonds allows for continuous stress relaxation in the hybrid networks leading to delayed craze development and higher stretching as compared to permanently crosslinked networks. The work highlights the ability of glassy vitrimer networks to relax tensile stress during deformation successfully.