DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9989 ISSN: 0036-8075

Closed-loop recyclability of a biomass-derived epoxy-amine thermoset by methanolysis

Xianyuan Wu, Peter Hartmann, Dimitri Berne, Mario De bruyn, Florian Cuminet, Zhiwen Wang, Johannes Matthias Zechner, Adrian Daniel Boese, Vincent Placet, Sylvain Caillol, Katalin Barta
  • Multidisciplinary

Epoxy resin thermosets (ERTs) are an important class of polymeric materials. However, owing to their highly cross-linked nature, they suffer from poor recyclability, which contributes to an unacceptable level of environmental pollution. There is a clear need for the design of inherently recyclable ERTs that are based on renewable resources. We present the synthesis and closed-loop recycling of a fully lignocellulose-derivable epoxy resin (DGF/MBCA), prepared from dimethyl ester of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (DMFD), 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) (MBCA), and glycidol, which displays excellent thermomechanical properties (a glass transition temperature of 170°C, and a storage modulus at 25°C of 1.2 gigapascals). Notably, the material undergoes methanolysis in the absence of any catalyst, regenerating 90% of the original DMFD. The diamine MBCA and glycidol can subsequently be reformed by acetolysis. Application and recycling of DGF/MBCA in glass and plant fiber composites are demonstrated.

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