Development of Composite Vitrimers

As an application of the vitrimer concept, vitrimer networks can be incorporated into the matrix of composite polymers. The bond exchange within the vitrimer matrix allows for relaxation and diffusion of the polymer strands, enabling properties such as malleability, recyclability, and healability—features that are not possible with conventional composites featuring permanently cross-linked matrices. Additionally, the bond exchange capability provides weldability, which facilitates the fabrication of multilayer composites from single-layer components. Thanks to their lightweight nature combined with high material strength, composite polymers are used in a wide range of applications, from commodity products to large-scale structural materials. The sustainable advantages offered by vitrimer-based composites are particularly attractive, especially given the increasing demand for expanded application ranges. This chapter demonstrates the benefits and considerations of composite vitrimers with various bond exchange reactions and filler components. It also highlights special useful functions, such as photo-thermal conversion of carbon-based fillers via near-infrared irradiation, magneto-thermal effects of iron oxide filler via application of an alternating magnetic field, and the electro-thermal effect from application of electricity. In the final section, the orientation of fibrous fillers through mechanical treatment, i.e. stretching and pressing, at the bond exchange state is discussed.