Renewable Biobased Vitrimers with Dual Dynamic Networks: High-Performance, Fully Recyclable, and Antimicrobial Materials for Potential Wearable Applications

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Authors: Hongru Qiang, Jiachen Lv, Zhenghong Ge, Zhen Fan, Yunqing Zhu, Jianzhong Du
Cited by: 2
References: 60

Abstract

The need for sustainable, high-performance, and recyclable materials is growing, but biobased polymers often lack the necessary durability and functionality. Here, we report a class of biobased, metal-coordinated polyimine vitrimers (MCPVs) engineered through dual Fe 3+ coordination sites (imine and methoxy groups) within a Schiff base network. The MCPVs achieved enhanced mechanical performance (tensile strength up to 25.6 MPa, toughness of 23.6 MJ/m 3 ), thermal stability (>298 °C decomposition temperature), and acid/solvent resistance with only Fe 3+ loading (5 mol %). The material retains closed-loop recyclability via hydrolysis with >99.9% antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Integrated with conductive layers, MCPVs enable fully recyclable wearable sensors for real-time motion detection, maintaining functionality after multiple recycling cycles. This work highlights a design strategy between sustainability and high performance, offering a scalable blueprint for circular-economy electronics and polymers.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Polymer composites and self-healing Conducting polymers and applications Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Materials Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
8
Issue
2
Pages
526–535
Publication date
16 January 2026
Language
EN