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

• DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9989
• Publication Date: 2024-04-11T17:58:47Z
• Authors: Xianyuan Wu; Peter Hartmann; Dimitri Berne; Mario De bruyn; Florian Cuminet; Zhiwen Wang; Johannes Matthias...; Adrian Daniel Boese; Vincent Placet; Sylvain Caillol; Katalin Barta
• Keywords: Thermosetting polymer; Glycidol

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 unacceptable level environmental pollution. There is a clear need for the design inherently recyclable ERTs that based on renewable resources. We present synthesis and closed-loop recycling fully lignocellulose-derivable epoxy (DGF/MBCA), prepared dimethyl ester 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (DMFD), 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) (MBCA), glycidol, displays excellent thermomechanical properties (a glass transition temperature 170°C, storage modulus at 25°C 1.2 gigapascals). Notably, material undergoes methanolysis in absence any catalyst, regenerating 90% original DMFD. The diamine MBCA glycidol can subsequently be reformed by acetolysis. Application DGF/MBCA plant fiber composites demonstrated.