Simple preparation, properties, and functions of vitrimer-like polyacrylate elastomers using trans-N-alkylation bond exchange

Herein, we report the preparation of polyacrylate-based vitrimer-like elastomers with dynamic bond-exchangeable crosslinks. The component polymer is a poly(ethyl acrylate)-based copolymer that bears pyridine groups randomly and was crosslinked by a quaternization reaction with dibromo cross-linkers (dibromo hexane). In this system, bond exchange is induced via trans-N-alkylation at high temperatures, which is revealed by elongational creep and stress-relaxation tests. Some useful functions of the present material, such as reprocessability, recyclability, and unique solubility, were also demonstrated.