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A method for preparing reprocessable epoxy thermoset is presented. The process is composed of synthesis of a bisphenol monomer bridged by an imine bond, glycidylation of the bisphenol, and cross-linking with a hardener to form thermoset. The resulting epoxy thermoset possesses comparable properties to conventional high-performance thermosets made from bisphenol A. However, when treated by a stimulus like acid, temperature, and/or water, the described thermoset exhibits reprocessability. Degradation and recycling involve hydrolysis and re-formation of imine bonds; reshaping and repairing of the thermoset are realized through imine exchange reactions. All the described processes require no metal catalyst, press heating, or additional monomer, which significantly widens thermoset reprocessing.
Zhao et al. (Tue,) studied this question.