Hydrolysis and Solvolysis as Benign Routes for the End-of-Life Management of Thermoset Polymer Waste

The production of thermoset polymers is increasing globally owing to their advantageous properties, particularly when applied as composite materials. Though these materials are traditionally used in more durable, longer-lasting applications, ultimately, they become waste at the end of their usable l...

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Published inAnnual review of chemical and biomolecular engineering Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 183 - 201
Main Authors Shen, Minjie, Cao, Hongda, Robertson, Megan L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Annual Reviews 07.06.2020
Annual Reviews, Inc
Subjects
Acetals
Catalysis
Composite materials
degradable polymers
Degradation
epoxy resins
Esters
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Hydrolysis
Mechanical properties
polyacetals
polyesters
Polymers
Polymers - chemistry
Polymers - metabolism
Recycling
Refuse Disposal
Solvents - chemistry
Solvolysis
sustainable and bio-based polymers
Temperature
Thermosetting resins
Waste management
sustainable and bio-based polymers
epoxy resins
degradable polymers
polyesters
polyacetals
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Summary:The production of thermoset polymers is increasing globally owing to their advantageous properties, particularly when applied as composite materials. Though these materials are traditionally used in more durable, longer-lasting applications, ultimately, they become waste at the end of their usable lifetimes. Current recycling practices are not applicable to traditional thermoset waste, owing to their network structures and lack of processability. Recently, researchers have been developing thermoset polymers with the right functionalities to be chemically degraded under relatively benign conditions postuse, providing a route to future management of thermoset waste. This review presents thermosets containing hydrolytically or solvolytically cleavable bonds, such as esters and acetals. Hydrolysis and solvolysis mechanisms are discussed, and various factors that influence the degradation rates are examined. Degradable thermosets with impressive mechanical, thermal, and adhesion behavior are discussed, illustrating that the design of material end-of-life need not limit material performance.
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ISSN:1947-5438
1947-5446
DOI:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-120919-012253