Ellipsometric Characterization of Network Topology Transition in Vitrimers.

ABSTRACT: Vitrimers are an emerging class of covalent adaptable networks, which can be reprocessed at elevated temperatures while preserving crosslinking density. In these systems, the onset temperature of bond exchange is often dubbed "topology freezing transition temperature (T_v)" and is characterized by a sharp reduction in material viscosity. Here, we provide a universal and external stress-free method to determine T_v in submicrometer (<μm) supported films, by measuring their thickness change as a function of temperature by ellipsometry. This study investigated a range of vitrimer systems, including catalyst-free, externally catalyzed, and internally catalyzed networks, to confirm the general applicability of our approach. We demonstrate the high sensit

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12713773 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature