Recyclable dual-curing thiol-isocyanate-epoxy vitrimers with sequential relaxation profiles

Latent catalysts in vitrimers

“…18 Similarly, Moradi et al employed a base catalyst prepared using TBD and sodium tetraphenyl borate for the transthiocarbamoylation exchange reaction. 19 The industrial use of CANs is dependent on developing fast bond exchange activation at a particular temperature while maintaining a suitably slow exchange at the working temperature to prevent irreversible deformation. Latent catalysts provide a viable answer in this effort; however, the irreversible nature of their activation has resulted in undesirable creep deformation after several reprocessing cycles.…”

“…This activation can be triggered by several stimuli, including heat and light. 10–20 It should be facile and cost-effective to prepare and demonstrate a high level of reactivity after activation. Latent catalysts have been employed in CANs, allowing for precise manipulation of exchange reactions.…”