Self-healable and Reprocessable Epoxy Vitrimer derived from Epoxidized Hemp Seed Oil and Dynamic Imine Bonds
Category
Sciences and Technology
Department
Material Science
Student Status
Graduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Ram Gupta
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Vitrimers are a class of covalently cross-linked polymers that undergo dynamic bond exchange, enabling self-healing, reprocessability, and recyclability while retaining the mechanical robustness of thermosets. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a fully bio-based vitrimer derived from epoxidized hemp seed oil (EHSO) and vanillin-based imine cross-linkers. The synthesis involves the epoxidation of hemp seed oil followed by curing with dynamic Schiff-base (imine) cross-linkers synthesized from vanillin and aliphatic diamines. The imine bonds introduce network adaptability, allowing topological rearrangement under external stimuli such as heat, thereby facilitating material reconfiguration and repair. To optimize vitrimer properties, a systematic study is conducted on cross-linker structure, catalyst selection, and curing conditions. Characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirm the successful synthesis of precursors. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and epoxy oxygen content (%EOC) analysis validate network formation, while rheological studies, stress relaxation experiments, and mechanical testing evaluate viscoelastic behavior, self-healing efficiency, and mechanical strength. The developed vitrimer presents a sustainable alternative to conventional thermosets, exhibiting tunable mechanical and thermal properties suited for applications in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials, by integrating renewable feedstocks and dynamic covalent chemistry, this research advances the development of bio-based high-performance polymers, contributing to environmentally friendly material innovations. The findings demonstrate the potential of hemp-seed-oil-derived vitrimers in circular economy frameworks, emphasizing their role in reducing polymer waste and enhancing material sustainability.
Self-healable and Reprocessable Epoxy Vitrimer derived from Epoxidized Hemp Seed Oil and Dynamic Imine Bonds
Student Center Ballroom
Vitrimers are a class of covalently cross-linked polymers that undergo dynamic bond exchange, enabling self-healing, reprocessability, and recyclability while retaining the mechanical robustness of thermosets. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a fully bio-based vitrimer derived from epoxidized hemp seed oil (EHSO) and vanillin-based imine cross-linkers. The synthesis involves the epoxidation of hemp seed oil followed by curing with dynamic Schiff-base (imine) cross-linkers synthesized from vanillin and aliphatic diamines. The imine bonds introduce network adaptability, allowing topological rearrangement under external stimuli such as heat, thereby facilitating material reconfiguration and repair. To optimize vitrimer properties, a systematic study is conducted on cross-linker structure, catalyst selection, and curing conditions. Characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirm the successful synthesis of precursors. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and epoxy oxygen content (%EOC) analysis validate network formation, while rheological studies, stress relaxation experiments, and mechanical testing evaluate viscoelastic behavior, self-healing efficiency, and mechanical strength. The developed vitrimer presents a sustainable alternative to conventional thermosets, exhibiting tunable mechanical and thermal properties suited for applications in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials, by integrating renewable feedstocks and dynamic covalent chemistry, this research advances the development of bio-based high-performance polymers, contributing to environmentally friendly material innovations. The findings demonstrate the potential of hemp-seed-oil-derived vitrimers in circular economy frameworks, emphasizing their role in reducing polymer waste and enhancing material sustainability.
