A dual dynamic network self-healing bio-based vitrimer and its application in multiply recyclable carbon fiber reinforced polymers

Abstract

The preparation of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) using vitrimer with hydroxyl ester bonds as matrix requires harsh degradation conditions. To solve this problem, tung oil-based triglycidyl ester (TOTGE) and 4-aminophenyl disulfide (APD) are cured to fabricate a TOTGE−APD vitrimer with a dual dynamic network of hydroxyl ester and disulfide bonds. The TOTGE−APD vitrimer exhibits a low dynamic bond exchange activation energy (66.51 kJ/mol) due to the introduction of disulfide bonds and can achieve stress relaxation at 100 °C, thus exhibiting excellent self-healing and recycling properties. After crushing/remodeling, tensile strength of the remodeling sample can achieve 97.5% the original sample. Due to the disulfide and ester group in the vitrimer, CFRP prepared with TOTGE−APD vitrimer can be degraded in mercaptoehtanol, ethanolamine, and ethylene glycol, achieving multiple recycling.