Vitrimers, based on covalent adaptable network (CAN) structures, have emerged as next-generation thermosetting polymers due to their ability to undergo thermally activated bond-exchange reactions, enabling reprocessability while retaining network integrity. In this study, a single-molecule case study is employed to investigate the transesterification mechanism in base-catalyzed vitrimer systems systematically and to clarify how the extent of bond-exchange reactions depends on catalyst type.
This approach allows the identification of catalysts capable of effectively controlling both vitrimer synthesis and dynamic bond exchange. Furthermore, the mechanistic insights from the case study are extended to propose a general design strategy for vitrimer synthesis using various di-epoxy monomers. Using this strategy, a library of vitrimer materials with tunable thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties is demonstrated.