Development of vitrimer-based reusable prosthetic materials

Abstract

This study presents a cross-linked bisphenol A propoxylate diglycidyl ether network (BP17) synthesised via a dynamic transesterification reaction. The reaction involves a linear long chain bisphenol A propoxylate diglycidyl ether terminated (BP), high molecular weight cross-linker viz., Pripol 1017, and Zn(OAc)₂ as a catalyst. The thermal dynamics of the BP17 network are investigated using creep recovery tests. BP17 shows appreciable resistance to solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), even at 160 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals its excellent thermal stability, with an onset degradation temperature of 290 °C. In addition, it could be reprocessed by hot-pressing at 160 °C, retaining its mechanical properties even after the third cycle. Moreover, the cytocompatibility test confirms the biocompatibility of BP17, making it a promising candidate for use in maxillofacial prosthetics. Thus, the thermoset-like properties of BP17, at relatively high temperature, make it very promising for biomedical and other advanced applications.