Fully Recyclable Bio-Based Epoxy Formulations Using Epoxidized Precursors from Waste Flour: Thermal and Mechanical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Organic waste, particularly waste flour, poses a significant pollution challenge due to its increasing presence and difficulty in high-value reuse.
• Epoxy-based thermosets are widely used but suffer from poor recyclability, contributing to plastic waste issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative method for reusing organic waste flour by converting it into high-value, recyclable epoxy-based thermosets.
• To create a fully recyclable plastic matrix from waste flour that can be integrated with waste epoxy-based thermosets.

Main Methods:

• Organic waste flour was transformed into an epoxidized prepolymer.
• The prepolymer was mixed with a bio-based monomer and cured using a cleavable ammine (Recyclamine™).
• The resulting cured epoxies were characterized for thermal, rheological, and flexural properties.

Main Results:

• The novel approach successfully synthesized epoxy prepolymers from waste flour.
• The developed epoxy resin demonstrated optimal recyclability.
• Characterization confirmed the viability of the new resin for practical applications.

Conclusions:

• The conversion of organic waste flour into recyclable epoxy-based thermosets is feasible.
• This method offers a sustainable solution for managing organic waste and improving plastic recyclability.
• The developed material shows promise for creating a circular economy in thermoset plastics.