A Modular Teaching Experiment on the Life Cycle of Resin Matrix Composites

Dynamic covalent chemistry is an emerging research frontier in polymer science. It is recognized as a pivotal approach to challenging the conventional notion of thermosetting resins as nonrecyclable materials. The integration of these advanced chemical concepts with sustainability principles represents a critical advancement in both materials engineering education and industrial practice. Here, we present a modular course designed primarily for undergraduate students, with adaptable content that can be tailored to learners from lower-year undergraduates to graduate-level students. The course was implemented with 39 participating students and delivered over a total of 14 class hours. The curriculum encompasses: (1) the synthesis of dynamic covalent bond-containing curing agents via condensation reactions between ketone and hydrazide groups; (2) the fabrication of epoxy resin/carbon fiber composites; (3) performance evaluation of epoxy resin composites; and (4) the degradation study of epoxy resin and composites, thereby completing a closed-loop cycle. By incorporating a “synthesis-materials engineering-end of life management” framework, this course integrates multidisciplinary knowledge spanning organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and polymer science. It translates cutting-edge scientific discoveries into hands-on learning experiences while exposing students to industrially relevant synthetic and processing methodologies. This pedagogical approach not only bridges fundamental research with practical applications but also cultivates sustainability-driven thinking in materials design.