Methods of recycling and reshaping thermosetting polymers and composites thereof
US10829612B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Various methods of reshaping and recycling thermoset polymers and composites containing thermoset polymers are provided. The methods involve the bond exchange reaction of exchangeable covalent bonds in the polymer matrix with a suitable small molecule solvent in the presence of a catalyst. In some aspects, the methods are applied to a carbon fiber reinforced polymer or a thermoset polymer where the thermoset polymer matrix includes a plurality of ester bonds. Using a small molecule alcohol, the methods provide for recycling one or both of the carbon fiber and the polymer, for welding two surfaces, or for repairing a damaged surface in the materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.