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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
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Strong, Recyclable, Bio-Based Vitrimers by Tailored Rigid-Flexible Structures for Advanced Carbon Fiber-Reinforced
Yong Guo1, Nannan Song2, Siqi Huo1,3
1Centre for Future Materials, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, 4300, Australia.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|October 24, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel bio-based epoxy resin (F9T1) that enhances the performance and recyclability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). This sustainable material offers superior flame retardancy and mechanical properties, enabling complete carbon fiber reclamation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Engineering
Background:
- Conventional carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) utilize petroleum-based epoxy resins with irreversible cross-linked networks, posing sustainability challenges.
- The reliance on non-renewable resources and the difficulty in recycling limit the environmental compatibility of traditional CFRPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bio-based, high-performance, and recyclable epoxy resin system for advanced CFRP applications.
- To address the limitations of conventional epoxy resins by incorporating dynamic covalent chemistry and bio-derived monomers.
- To create sustainable thermosetting resins with enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a novel bio-based epoxy resin (F9T1) by integrating rigid (DGEFA) and flexible (DGETA) bio-derived epoxy monomers.
- Incorporated dynamic disulfide groups within the flexible monomer to enable degradability and recyclability.
- Evaluated the flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical properties of the F9T1 epoxy system and its CFRP composites.
Main Results:
- The F9T1 epoxy resin exhibited excellent char-forming ability, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression due to its aromatic structures and disulfide groups.
- Compared to commercial epoxy systems (DGEBA), F9T1 demonstrated significant improvements in tensile strength (56.1%), elongation at break (19.2%), and flexural strength (28.9%).
- Recyclable CFRPs fabricated with F9T1 showed enhanced flame-retardant and mechanical properties, with complete reclamation of carbon fibers.
Conclusions:
- The developed bio-based F9T1 epoxy resin offers a sustainable alternative for high-performance CFRPs.
- The rigid-flexible network design incorporating dynamic covalent bonds is a promising strategy for next-generation recyclable thermosetting materials.
- This research paves the way for environmentally friendly and mechanically robust composite materials with improved end-of-life options.
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