Preparation of a starch-based vitrimer comprising a crosslinkable macromolecular plasticizer by extrusion

A starch-based vitrimer was prepared by blending a crosslinkable macromolecular plasticizer with starch derivatives via extrusion. The crosslinkable macromolecular plasticizer improved the mechanical properties of the material by enhancing the entanglement of molecular chains. The plasticizing effect was remarkable, and the material could be machined and recycled by hot-pressing at 130 °C for 15 min. The properties of the starch-based vitrimer were basically maintained after processing. Exudation or migration of the plasticizer and retrogradation of the starch-based vitrimer were avoided by the presence of crosslinking bonds. The hydrophobicity of the material was suitably improved to prevent the influence of moisture in the environment on its performance.