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Bio-based vitrimer coatings combine UV blocking and self-healing
Researchers have developed a series of multifunctional bio-based vitrimer coatings produced via a solvent-free thiol-ene/epoxy click reaction. The transparent DGP-x coatings combine UV-blocking, antioxidant activity, UV-induced self-healing and closed-loop recyclability, offering a sustainable route to high-performance industrial coatings.
The development of sustainable coatings that combine multiple high-performance properties remains a key challenge in the coatings industry. Addressing this need, researchers have introduced a new family of bio-based vitrimer coatings, designated DGP-x, fabricated through a facile, solvent-free thiol-ene/epoxy click reaction. The formulation is based on three building blocks: bio-based diallyl disulfide (DADS), glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP).
The integration of dynamic disulfide bonds derived from DADS provides the cured networks with excellent recyclability and UV-induced self-healing behaviour. By simply adjusting the DADS/GTE ratio, the researchers were able to fine-tune the coating properties to meet specific performance requirements, demonstrating the versatility of the platform.
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Robust performance and closed-loop recyclability
The optimised coating exhibits a balanced combination of properties seldom achieved in a single system. It offers high optical transparency along with robust UV-blocking and remarkable antioxidant activity, scavenging more than 95 % of DPPH radicals within 30 min. Mechanical and chemical resistance tests confirmed excellent flexibility (passing a 1–3 mm conical mandrel test), strong adhesion of up to grade 5B and outstanding solvent resistance, withstanding more than 200 double rubs with common solvents.
In addition to these performance characteristics, the coating can effectively self-heal surface scratches under UV irradiation and is degradable under thiol conditions, enabling closed-loop chemical recycling. According to the authors, the approach offers a scalable and sustainable strategy for producing multifunctional coatings with strong potential for industrial use.
Source: Liu, F. et al., Multifunctional bio-based coatings with UV-blocking, antioxidant, UV-induced self-healing, and recycling properties via solvent-free “click” chemistry. Progress in Organic Coatings (2026).
