POS9-0158
Entropy-Assisted Self-Catalyzed Polyurethane Vitrimer for Multifunctional Elastomers and Reactive Compatibilization of Mixed Urethane Waste
Topic
S9. Polymer Technology for Sustainability
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
Haemin Kim (Sogang University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Vitrimers have attracted considerable attention as reprocessable thermoset materials. However, their practical use is often limited by slow bond-exchange kinetics and reliance on external catalysts. To address these limitations, we designed a self-catalyzed polyurethane vitrimer by co-localizing tertiary amine catalysts and hydroxyl reactants within tertiary amino alcohol motifs. This catalyst–reactant co-localization was intended to promote transcarbamoylation through internal catalysis and preorganized activated-complex formation. Owing to this self-catalyzed dynamic network, it exhibited multiple functions, including self-healing, interfacial adhesion, reprocessing, shape memory, and permanent reconfiguration. Furthermore, it acted as a reactive compatibilizer for mixed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) waste. The addition of vitrimer improved phase homogeneity and enhanced tensile strength, elongation, and toughness. This study presents catalyst–reactant co-localization as an effective molecular design strategy for fast self-catalyzed polyurethane vitrimers and demonstrates its potential for multifunctional elastomers and reactive upcycling of heterogeneous TPU waste.
