Research Projects

This project focuses on addressing the significant environmental and practical challenges associated with thermoset polymers, which are traditionally unrecyclable due to their permanently cross-linked structures. These polymers, used extensively in applications like glass-fiber-reinforced composites, are costly to produce and generate substantial waste, particularly as discarded wind turbine blades and other composites. Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) present a promising solution by combining the durability of thermosets with the reprocessability of thermoplastics, achieved through reversible covalent bonds. Despite their potential, current CAN formulations face trade-offs, such as sacrificing thermal stability for fast processability, inadequate creep resistance, high viscosity formulations, and use of highly active catalysts. To overcome these challenges, this project proposes the development of CAN materials using imidazolium salts as thermally activable N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysts. These salts, known for their high thermal stability and ability to catalyze transesterification reactions, will be covalently integrated into polymer networks to eliminate leaching and improve compatibility with epoxy-amine resins. Additionally, these catalysts will be optimized for processability and durability, ensuring that the resulting materials retain creep resistance and recyclability. The research involves designing and synthesizing imidazolium-based catalysts, tuning their properties to balance compatibility and reactivity, and exploring various material synthesis pathways. These include reactions of carboxylic acids with epoxy resins, the creation of epoxy-ester building blocks from dicarboxylic acids, and the development of imidazolium-based curing agents that can be integrated into traditional epoxy-amine chemistry. The final step will involve demonstrating the applicability of these formulations by producing fiber-reinforced composites using both glass and bio-fibers. The use of bio-fibers is particularly significant as it addresses environmental issues like air pollution caused by stubble burning. This project aims to create recyclable and repairable CAN-based resins with high thermal stability, fast processability, and low viscosity, advancing their use in fiber-reinforced composites. By overcoming existing limitations, the research will contribute to the development of sustainable polymer technologies.