Upcycling of thermosetting polymers into high-value materials. Issue 1 (7th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Binbo; Wang, Yi; Du, Shuai; Zhu, Jin; Ma, Songqi
• Is Part Of: Materials horizons. Volume 10:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2022-11-07
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01128j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-6347

Abstract

Abstract : The strategies implemented for upcycling thermoset waste are first reviewed, followed by their strengths and weaknesses; lastly, future directions are highlighted. Abstract : Thermosetting polymers, a large class of polymers featuring excellent properties, have been widely used and play an irreplaceable role in our life. Nevertheless, they are arduous to be recycled or reused on account of their permanently cross-linked networks, and the main recycling approaches used currently include energy recovery through incineration, utilization as fillers after mechanical grinding, and pyrolysis, which only reclaim a small fraction or partial value of thermosetting polymers and their downstream materials. In this minireview, we provide an overview of the efforts undertaken towards upcycling thermosetting polymers in recent years. The research progress on physical upcycling, carbonization, solvolysis and vitrimerization of thermoset waste to high-value materials, including oil–water separation materials, 3D printable materials, functional carbon materials (supercapacitors, photothermal conversion materials, and catalytic materials), additives, emulsifiers, biolubricants, and vitrimers, are summarized and discussed. Perspectives on the future development of the art of upcycling thermosets are also provided.