Degradation Solution for Epoxy Resin Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of waste thermosetting fiber reinforced composite materials, particularly those containing epoxy resin, is challenging due to the stable crosslinked structure of thermosetting resins, which makes them difficult to recycle and reuse, leading to resource wastage and high carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A degradation solution comprising hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, C2 to C4 organic acid or anhydride, an organic acid with multiple carboxylic acid groups, and a degradation auxiliary agent is used to decompose epoxy resin in waste materials, allowing for the separation and recycling of fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If thermosetting resins with stable crosslinked structure are used, then material strength and stability are improved, but waste disposal difficulty and recyclability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the degradation system by using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent combined with organic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid) to create a degradation solution that can break down the stable crosslinked epoxy resin structure at controlled temperatures (25-100°C), transforming the stable but non-recyclable material into recyclable fiber forms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary degradation solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and organic acids that acts as a mediator between the stable crosslinked epoxy resin and the recycling process. This intermediary chemical system enables the decomposition of the resin matrix while preserving the fiber structure, facilitating separation and recyclability
2Quantity of substance
If conventional waste disposal methods (incineration, landfilling, crushing) are used, then waste volume reduction is achieved, but carbon emissions and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful stable crosslinked structure that causes disposal difficulties into a beneficial feature by using hydrogen peroxide oxidation to selectively decompose the resin matrix. This transformation enables the fiber reinforcement materials to be recovered and reused, converting waste into valuable recyclable resources and eliminating the need for incineration or landfilling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-and-recover approach by selectively removing the epoxy resin matrix through chemical degradation while recovering and reusing the fiber reinforcement materials. This process recovers valuable resources (fibers) from waste materials, enabling circular economy principles and reducing the need for virgin material production
3Ease of manufacture
If epoxy resin is decomposed to enable fiber recycling, then recyclability is improved, but decomposition time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the decomposition process by adjusting chemical parameters (hydrogen peroxide concentration, organic acid type and concentration) and physical parameters (temperature range of 25-100°C) to achieve effective epoxy resin decomposition within practical time frames. The selected organic acids (acetic, propionic, or butyric acid) work synergistically with hydrogen peroxide to accelerate matrix degradation while preserving fiber integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The degradation solution effectively decomposes epoxy resin, enabling the recycling of fibers with retained performance, thus promoting a circular economy, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The anhydride of the C2 to C4 organic acid in the degradation solution will form the organic acid. The function of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is oxidizing the carboxylic group of the organic acid.
Implementation Method 2
The function of the C2 to C4 organic acid or anhydride thereof is forming a mixing system of a small molecular organic acid and peroxyacid thereof, thereby swelling, permeating, and partially decomposing the epoxy resin.
Implementation Method 3
forming a mixing system of a small molecular organic acid and peroxyacid thereof, thereby swelling, permeating, and partially decomposing the epoxy resin
Implementation Method 4
forming a mixing system of a small molecular organic acid and peroxyacid thereof, thereby swelling, permeating, and partially decomposing the epoxy resin
Implementation Method 5
the epoxy resin in the waste material is decomposed by the degradation solution to form a residual liquid
Implementation Method 6
The function of the C2 to C4 organic acid or anhydride thereof is forming a mixing system of a small molecular organic acid and peroxyacid thereof, thereby swelling, permeating, and partially decomposing the epoxy resin.
Data Source
AI summary
A degradation solution includes 100 parts by weight of 30 to 50 vol % of hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, 44 to 80 parts by weight of C2 to C4 organic acid or anhydride thereof, 50 to 90 parts by weight of an organic acid containing a plurality of carboxylic acid groups, and 1 to 15 parts by weight of degradation auxiliary agent. The degradation solution can be used to decompose an epoxy resin.