The Ricarte Lab

Vitrimer Networks

Vitrimers are covalently crosslinked polymer networks in which the crosslinks undergo an associative exchange reaction to relocate to different junction points. This exchangeable crosslinking enables vitrimers to be robust and insoluble, yet also processable and self-healing.

We are investigating the fundamental physics of various vitrimer systems. We aim to elucidate how structural parameters affect the material behavior. In the long-term, these structure-property relationships will guide the design of vitrimer gels for use as battery electrolytes, separations membranes, catalyst scaffolds, and flexible electronics.