Showcasing Bio-Based Vitrimer Innovations at DPN Meeting 2025 | 11-14.08.2025

Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpļuks Showcases Bio-Based Vitrimer Innovations at Dynamic Polymer Networks Meeting 2025 in Iceland

From 11–14 August 2025, the Dynamic Polymer Networks Meeting (DPN 2025) brought together chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and engineers at the Natura Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland, to exchange knowledge on vitrimers, covalent adaptable networks, and dynamic polymer systems.

Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpļuks, researcher at the Polymer Laboratory of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), delivered an oral presentation on vitrimer solutions for fibreboard production:
“Bio-Based β-Amino Polyester Vitrimers: A Sustainable and Recyclable Adhesive for Fibreboard Production.” (program link).

In addition, he presented a poster contribution from the POLYMERS-5B project:

Development of Bio-Based Aza-Michael Vitrimers for Reprocessable Polymer Networks

Vitrimers are thermosetting polymer materials with dynamic covalent bonds, which allow them to maintain durability while being repaired, reshaped, and reused. This approach opens up new opportunities for adhesives, coatings, and composites in industries where strength must be combined with efficient resource reprocessing.

“Recyclable thermoset resins that combine durability with the ability to be reprocessed are our first results in vitrimer development. This opens new opportunities for adhesives, coatings, and composites,” emphasizes Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpļuks, expressing his gratitude to the DPN 2025 organisers and colleagues for their collaboration and support.

Through his contributions, Miķelis highlighted how bio-based vitrimers can support sustainability, innovation, and circular solutions in material science and industry applications.