Upcycling of waste polycarbonate to recyclable Poly(carbonate-imines) with exceptional thermal properties and unprecedented flame retardancy
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
Journal Volume
492
ISSN
1385-8947
Date Issued
2024-07-15
Author(s)
DOI
10.1016/j.cej.2024.152376
Abstract
This study introduces an innovative method for upcycling waste polycarbonate (WPC) into poly(carbonate-imines) (PCIs), which exhibit exceptional thermal properties and unprecedented flame retardancy. Utilizing a novel insertion reaction of 2-((4-nitrophenoxy)methyl)oxirane with WPC, followed by hydrogenation, we have synthesized WPC-derived amine (WPC-NH2). This amine is further reacted with bifunctional aldehydes to form PCIs that not only meet vitrimer criteria (characterized by stress relaxation and thermal reprocessability through imine metathesis) but also demonstrate superior thermal stability (Tg up to 228 °C) and low thermal expansion (42 ppm/°C). Importantly, these PCIs achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating and exhibit significantly reduced total heat release (11.8 KJ/g), positioning them as prime candidates for sustainable, high-performance materials. The synthesis process supports recycling, showcasing a practical approach to the degradation of PCI-based CFRPs and recovery of intact carbon fibers, underscoring the environmental benefits of this method.
Subjects
Acid hydrolysis
Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics
CFRP
Poly(carbonate-imines)
Recycling
Vitrimers
Waste polycarbonate upcycling
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Description
Article number 152376
Type
journal article