Synthesis, properties and biomedical perspective on vitrimers – challenges & opportunities

Abstract

A novel class of crosslinked materials known as “vitrimers” has recently bridged the real-time gap between the limitations of thermoplastics and thermoset materials for great possibilities of real-world application. In this line, synthesis methods and properties for biomedical applications are rarely reviewed in the current literature. More importantly, challenges and opportunities for possible real-world biomedical applications need to be addressed to attract researchers in this emerging field. Here, we review the various synthesis methods/schemes for vitrimer preparation to achieve desired properties for specific applications. We have classified these different synthesis methods/schemes into monomers during transesterification, disulfide and imine exchanges, and discuss this focusing on recent examples. Then we discuss exchange-based properties, i.e., recyclability, healing ability, shape memory, and adhesive nature for biomedical prospects, including self-healing coatings, recyclable polymers, 3D printing, and biodegradable medical equipment.