Catalyst-free malleable, degradable, bio-based epoxy thermosets and its application in recyclable carbon fiber composites

Fully bio-based cellulose nanofiber/epoxy composites with both sustainable production and selective matrix deconstruction towards infinite fiber recycling systems

“…Labile bonds can be introduced, to facilitate polymer degradation and partial recovery of chemical building blocks. 32,33 It is difficult to nd any study on degradable celluloseepoxy biocomposites in the literature. One example, though, is on biodegradability of pineapple leaf/coir ber reinforced epoxy composites in soil.…”

Reprocessable, Self-Adhesive, and Recyclable Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites Using a Catalyst-Free Self-Healing Bio-Based Vitrimer Matrix

“…Carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRCs) are widely used in automotive industry, aerospace, sport equipment, and so forth owing to their low mass, superior mechanical properties, and high corrosion resistance. − Thermosetting resins are often used as CFRC matrices because of their simple preparation procedure, source abundance, and high performance. − However, thermoset matrices have insoluble and nonmelting properties because of their 3D permanent cross-linked network, which hinders the degradation and reuse of CFRCs. − Even worse, the disposal of thermoset matrices through landfill and incineration has caused serious environmental pollution and waste of resources . In addition, thermoset matrices are usually fabricated from petroleum-based products, which are not sustainable. − Therefore, the preparation of degradable bio-based CFRC matrices and the efficient recovery of high-value CFs from CFRCs are still challenging. , …”

“…9−12 Even worse, the disposal of thermoset matrices through landfill and incineration has caused serious environmental pollution and waste of resources. 13 In addition, thermoset matrices are usually fabricated from petroleumbased products, which are not sustainable. 14−17 Therefore, the preparation of degradable bio-based CFRC matrices and the efficient recovery of high-value CFs from CFRCs are still challenging.…”

Study into the Mechanical Properties of a New Aeronautic-Grade Epoxy-Based Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Vitrimer

“…Some vitrimer formulations need the addition of external catalysts to create the bond exchange reactions, as the material is heated above the vitrimeric transition temperature, therefore presenting issues with vitrimer stability, manipulation and mechanical response. Some studies present new formulations of catalyst-free vitrimers that can be processed with commercially available precursors, maintaining their properties during reprocessing and are more easily implemented on an industrial scale [ 2 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Over the past years, several vitrimer composites with diverse synthetic or natural monomers and dynamic formulations have been applied in continuous glass or carbon fiber reinforcements, showing promising mechanical properties compared to their thermoset counterparts [ 6 , 10 , 19 , 20 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Some vitrimer formulations have attractive properties such as a high tensile strength, interlaminar shear strength or glass transition temperatures [ 6 , 23 ].…”