Abstract
Organic wastes represent an increasing pollution problem due to the exponential growth of their presence in the waste stream. Among these, waste flour cannot be easily reused by transforming it into high-value-added products. Another major problem is represented by epoxy-based thermosets, which have wide use but also poor recyclability. The object of the present paper is, therefore, to analyze both of these problems and come up with innovative solutions. Indeed, we propose a completely new approach, aimed at reusing the organic waste flour, by converting it into high-value epoxy-based thermosets that could be fully recycled into a reusable plastic matrix when added to the waste epoxy-based thermosets. Throughout the research activity, the organic waste was transformed into an epoxidized prepolymer, which was then mixed with a bio-based monomer cured with a cleavable ammine. The latter reactant was based on Recyclamine™ by Connora Technologies, and in this paper, we demonstrate that this original approach could work with the synthetized epoxy prepolymers derived from the waste flour. The cured epoxies were fully characterized in terms of their thermal, rheological, and flexural properties. The results obtained showed optimal recyclability of the new resin developed.
Highlights
The use of epoxy-based composites is widely accepted in different fields
This indicates the treatment allows for obtaining epoxidized waste flour (EWF)
An exemplary bio-based epoxy resin formulation showing full recyclability was presented in this paper
Summary
The use of epoxy-based composites is widely accepted in different fields. Epoxy resins are used because of its low cost and suitability for producing large structures. Recent studies reported novel technologies for producing enhanced composites for the aeronautical field. Zotti et al [1] developed PDA-coated silica nanoparticles as filler for a common aeronautical epoxy resin, improving the mechanical properties, the damage resistance, and the thermal stability with respect to the neat matrix. The use of epoxy composites is widely accepted for semistructural and structural applications. An increasing interest was recently devoted to the epoxy–timber composites in the construction field. Increased awareness of the environmental impact of thermosets has raised concerns regarding their use and has pressed the industry and academia to develop tailored recycling strategies for epoxy-based composites. Life cycle analysis (LCA) must be considered to develop resins and composites complying with the cradle-to-cradle strategy [3]
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