pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S14 - Special: Recycling and Sustainable Polymers
Keynote Presentation
 
 

Vitrimerization: A Novel Concept to Recycle Thermoset Waste via Dynamic Chemistry

Yue Liang (1), Manas-Zloczower Ica (1)*

(1) Case Western Reserve University - Ohio - USA

Vitrimerization is a newly developed concept to convert permanent crosslinked thermoset networks into vitrimer type dynamic networks via a simple, one-step method without depolymerization. Vitrimerization relies on designing a strategy to induce re-formability and healing in permanent chemically crosslinked polymer networks by using exchangeable chemical bonds that will lead to dynamic crosslinked networks. Key to the success of the strategy is establishing a process whereby homogeneous catalysts transform waste thermoset polymers into recyclable vitrimers. The vitrimerization approach is a low-cost, eco-friendly and scalable method that can be effectively implemented to address current challenges in recycling thermoset polymers. In this presentation, we demonstrate how vitrimerization can be applied to an epoxy thermoset system. The vitrimerized epoxy displays tunable thermal and mechanical properties at par with the virgin epoxy. Moreover, the recycled thermoset can be used in combination with various nanofillers to manufacture nanocomposites with tailored properties. This simple and practical concept of recycling thermoset polymers without depolymerization provides a new strategy toward elimination of thermoset waste.