A new technology has been patented for “Decomposable and Recyclable Epoxy Thermosetting Resins” by Dr. Mahdi Abu-Omar, professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The novel epoxy resin is fully soluble on demand without high-energy processing and can be reformulated multiple times without losing its original properties. The technology is a bio-based alternative to BPA and uses a new approach to circularity, targeting the resin rather than the curing agent. The epoxy network can be dissolved in a solution of hydrogen chloride in water, making it a viable option for recycling.
The process involves reacting vanillin and aminophenol to create a BPA alternative, which is then reacted with epichlorohydrin to create a glycidyl ether resin. The resin can be cured with a commercially available hardener to create the final epoxy network. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the thermoset resins market, allowing for the recycling of carbon fiber composites and reducing waste sent to landfills and incinerators. The patent is available for sublicensing, and interested parties can contact John S. Casko Jr. at BFS Workhorse Consulting LLC for more information.