Abstract
This study unveils a sustainable, easily recyclable biocomposite, leveraging the dynamic nature of covalently adaptive bonds in a vitrimer matrix. The fabrication involved a fatty acid-derived vitrimer as the polymer matrix and multi-layered, nonwoven flax mat as reinforcing scaffold. The incorporation of these fibers significantly improved the mechanical performance of the vitrimer matrix uniformly. The ester-based covalently adaptive network plays a crucial role in enabling exceptional fiber-matrix bonding, as well as recyclability. The vitrimer matrix dissolves in ethylene glycol through transesterification, facilitating complete material recovery and biocomposite recycling without compromising the original properties of the matrix and reinforcing fibers. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 534-542 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | MRS Communications |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 2024 |
Funding
This research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725, was sponsored by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technologies Office Program. Dynamic mechanical analysis of vitrimer composites conducted by SSR and MTD was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division [FWP# ERKCK60]. Research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Program. Dynamic mechanical analysis of vitrimer composites conducted by SSR and MTD was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division [FWP# ERKCK60].
Keywords
- Biomaterial
- Circular economy
- Composite
- Recycling
- Renewable
- Solution deposition
- Sustainability