Recoverable Rosin-Based Epoxy Vitrimers with Robust Mechanical Properties and High Thermostability

Renewably biobased epoxy vitrimers can reduce the generation of polymer waste and the consumption of fossil resources. However, both mechanical properties and dynamic properties of biobased epoxy vitrimers cannot be improved simultaneously, limiting their applications. In this study, the rosin derivate with rigid hydrophenanthrene ring and three terminal epoxy groups was cured using 2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis[5-carboxylic acid, 5-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborinane] (BDCB) as cure agent by the reaction of epoxy–carboxyl. The obtained rigid rosin-based epoxy networks possess high mechanical strength and high thermal stability. Moreover, the good shape memory properties, and excellent thermal-healing and recycling performances were observed, because dynamic β-hydroxy ester bonds, boronic ester bonds, and hydrogen bonding readily allow the topological network rearrangement of the rosin-based epoxy networks. Besides, the rosin-based epoxy networks display outstanding adhesive properties (adhesion strength of ∼54.6 MPa), indicating they are promising candidates for repairable and recyclable adhesives application.