Characterization and modeling of an epoxy vitrimer based on disulfide exchange for wet filament winding applications

Abstract

The present paper investigates the suitability of a vitrimeric epoxy resin for processing in the wet filament winding (WFW) process to manufacture fiber‐reinforced polymers (FRP). Comprehensive material characterization of a commercially available epoxy and vitrimeric resin based on disulfide exchange is carried out, and the processing in WFW is evaluated by analyzing thermomechanical, rheological, thermochemical properties, and chemical shrinkage. The direct comparison of a vitrimer and an established epoxy resin permits an indication of the processability and necessary adjustments in WFW. Based on the implications of modeling, we demonstrate the processing of the vitrimeric resin in the WFW process by increasing the resin bath temperatures. The vitrimer's and conventional resin's elastic modulus development and compression behavior were similar, highlighting the vitrimeric resin's potential. Further, the results confirm that established characterization and modeling routines can be transferred to vitrimeric resins and, therefore, path the way toward advanced process simulation of vitrimeric resin's processing. For this, the present publication gives essential advice for setting up testing schedules for characterizing epoxy vitrimers' processing behavior and their appropriate modeling. The present work underlines the potential of applying commercially available dynamic hardeners to manufacture recyclable and malleable FRP in established processes.Highlights Material characterization and modeling of wet filament winding process. Wet filament winding of epoxy vitrimers. Thermomechanical and chemical shrinkage characterization of epoxy vitrimers. Rheological and kinetic modeling of epoxy vitrimer.

Thermo-rheological and kinetic characterization and modeling of an epoxy vitrimer based on polyimine exchange

“…The incident viscosities of S2 are located above S1, and with increasing temperature, the incident viscosity decreases. However, deviations between the expected values according to eqn (8) This circumstance might be attributed to two causes: (i) the reaction already initiates during the loading of the rheometer plates, and (ii) the initial temperature captured by the thermocouple is probably higher than the bulk temperature of the resin. Both circumstances yield an increased incident viscosity.…”

“…1,4,5 Therefore, this new material class, called vitrimers, constitutes alternatives to conventional epoxy resin materials that open up the potential for sustainable use by enabling comprehensive recycling approaches and service life extension through pronounced reshaping and self-healing. 3,[6][7][8] For this, vitrimers exhibit the potential to replace traditional thermosetting materials in various fields to lead to sustainable materials manufacturing. 1 However, vitrimer research for immediate application use is in its infancy 9 and incipient stage.…”