Implementing recyclable bio- and CO2-sourced synergetic dynamic matrices via precise control of curing and properties for natural fiber composites within industrially relevant resin transfer molding

IF 13.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL

Chemical Engineering Journal Pub Date : 2025-03-29 DOI:10.1016/j.cej.2025.161506

Guillem Seychal, Bernard Miranda Campos, Gabriel Perli, Vincent Placet, Bruno Grignard, Fanny Bonnet, Christophe Detrembleur, Haritz Sardon, Nora Aranburu, Jean-Marie Raquez

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The use of thermosets in natural fiber composites (NFC) presents major challenges related to their sustainability. Most alternatives struggle to meet industrial requirements relevant to conventional composite processing techniques. This study explores a synergetic copolymerization strategy that combines epoxy and CO

_{2}

$_{2}$ -derived polyhydroxyurethanes (PHU) to allow fine-tuned polymerization kinetics, including the suitability for the RTM process. We demonstrate a synergetic catalytic effect that accelerates curing compared to each neat component. The formulation maintains a low viscosity (

<

$<$ 5 Pa.s) at room temperature while curing within 30 min at 80 ^°C, unattainable conditions with pure PHUs. Formulations suitable for resin transfer molding (RTM) were developed and demonstrated an improvement in mechanical performances compared to the homopolymer parents. RTM-made composite achieved a fiber volume fraction of 58%–60% and a porosity below 1%, making them ideal for high-quality NFCs. The influence of hybridization content was investigated, and the influence of impregnation quality was highlighted while the PHU well-supported the adhesion quality. Moreover, the catalyst-free dynamic matrix allows the reshaping after curing, and flax fibers can be easily separated without toxic reagents from the polymeric matrix under mild conditions (

60 ° C

$60 ° C$ for 2 h) and reused, retaining properties similar to those of virgin yarns. This strategy could broaden the application of PHU chemistry in sustainable NFC manufacturing while preserving both natural and fossil feedstocks.

Abstract Image

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在天然纤维复合材料（NFC）中使用热固性材料对其可持续性提出了重大挑战。大多数替代品都难以满足与传统复合材料加工技术相关的工业要求。本研究探讨了一种协同共聚策略，该策略将环氧树脂和 CO22 衍生的聚羟基聚氨酯 (PHU) 结合在一起，以实现聚合动力学的微调，包括 RTM 工艺的适用性。我们展示了一种协同催化效应，与每种纯成分相比，它能加快固化速度。该配方在室温下保持低粘度（5 Pa.s），同时在 80 °C 下 30 分钟内固化，这是纯 PHU 无法达到的条件。开发出了适合树脂传递模塑（RTM）的配方，与均聚物亲本相比，其机械性能得到了改善。RTM 制成的复合材料的纤维体积分数为 58%-60%，孔隙率低于 1%，是高质量 NFC 的理想材料。研究了杂化含量的影响，突出了浸渍质量的影响，而 PHU 则很好地支持了粘合质量。此外，不含催化剂的动态基质允许在固化后重新塑形，亚麻纤维在温和条件下（60°C60°C 2 小时）无需有毒试剂即可轻松地从聚合物基质中分离出来并重复使用，同时还能保持与原始纱线相似的特性。这种策略可以扩大 PHU 化学在可持续 NFC 生产中的应用，同时保护天然原料和化石原料。

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来源期刊

Chemical Engineering Journal 工程技术-工程：化工

CiteScore

21.70

自引率

9.30%

发文量

6781

审稿时长

2.4 months

期刊介绍： The Chemical Engineering Journal is an international research journal that invites contributions of original and novel fundamental research. It aims to provide an international platform for presenting original fundamental research, interpretative reviews, and discussions on new developments in chemical engineering. The journal welcomes papers that describe novel theory and its practical application, as well as those that demonstrate the transfer of techniques from other disciplines. It also welcomes reports on carefully conducted experimental work that is soundly interpreted. The main focus of the journal is on original and rigorous research results that have broad significance. The Catalysis section within the Chemical Engineering Journal focuses specifically on Experimental and Theoretical studies in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, molecular catalysis, and biocatalysis. These studies have industrial impact on various sectors such as chemicals, energy, materials, foods, healthcare, and environmental protection.