Recyclable, photothermal dual responsive shape memory epoxy vitrimers containing dynamic oxime-carbamate bonds, dynamic ester bonds and hydrogen bonds based on vegetable oil

The utilization of natural and renewable vegetable oil resources for development of multi-functional polymer materials aligns with the expanding practical application requirements and adheres to sustainable development strategies. Here, 3 different novel vegetable oil-based active prepolymers containing carboxyl groups, quinone oxime, isocyanate (NCO), and oxime-carbamate structures were synthesized using oleic acid as the raw material. Then a series of vegetable oil-based epoxy vitrimers were constructed via crosslinking polymerization with epoxy resin. The molecular structure, mechanical properties, and thermal characteristics of the fabricated vitrimers were systematically investigated, and their reprocessability and photothermal dual responsive shape memory behavior were also analyzed in detail. The resulting polymers exhibit superior controllable mechanical properties, and display outstanding reprocessability without the addition of a catalyst. The dynamic three-dimensional cross-linking networks formed by dynamic oxime-carbamate, dynamic ester bonds and hydrogen bonds endow the polymerization systems with exceptional reprocessability. The incorporation of quinone oxime groups within the polymerization systems endows the polymers with excellent photothermal dual-response shape memory performance. The superior adhesion and repair capabilities make the polymers suitable for use as reusable adhesives. The polymers developed here hold significant potential for applications in medical, electronic, and other fields.