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Epoxy Thermosets Designed for Chemical Recycling
Tankut Türel1, Özgün Dağlar1, Fabian Eisenreich1
1Polymer Performance Materials Group, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|June 15, 2023
Summary
Developing smart monomers enables fully recyclable epoxy systems, addressing limitations in traditional plastics. This advances sustainable strategies for a circular plastic economy.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science and Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Epoxy thermosets are high-performance plastics vital across industries due to superior thermal and mechanical properties.
- Traditional epoxy networks present significant chemical recycling challenges due to their covalently crosslinked structures.
- Current recycling methods offer limited solutions, necessitating novel, sustainable strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in chemically recyclable epoxy systems.
- To highlight the potential of these systems in supporting a circular plastic economy.
- To evaluate the industrial applicability of novel polymer synthesis and recycling techniques.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications on recyclable epoxy systems.
- Analysis of monomer design enabling chemical recyclability.
- Evaluation of polymer synthesis and recycling process efficiencies.
- Assessment of industrial applicability and economic viability.
Main Results:
- Identification of "smart monomers" as key components for designing recyclable epoxy networks.
- Demonstration of advanced synthesis and recycling techniques for epoxy polymers.
- Evidence of progress towards fully recyclable epoxy systems supporting a circular economy.
- Evaluation of the practical feasibility and industrial relevance of these innovations.
Conclusions:
- Chemically recyclable epoxy systems offer a promising solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional epoxy plastics.
- The development of smart monomers is crucial for achieving full recyclability and enabling a circular plastic economy.
- Further research and development are needed to optimize synthesis and recycling processes for widespread industrial adoption.
