Life‐Cycle‐Integrated Molecular Design of Hindered Phenylene Biacetal Epoxies for Practical Recyclable Composite Applications

作者：Shuai Du, Dehang Yang, Rong Huang, Shuaiqi Yang, Shanshan Dai, Kangjun Sun, Changhui Jing, X Wang, Fengyuan Zhang, Songqi Ma · 发表于：Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1002/anie.9945235 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Epoxy Resin Curing Processes、Polymer composites and self-healing、Fiber-reinforced polymer composites

ABSTRACT Carbon‐fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are central to lightweight wind‐energy infrastructure but suffer from poor end‐of‐life circularity due to permanent epoxy thermoset matrices. Here we present a life‐cycle‐integrated molecular design strategy for circular epoxy resins based on a hindered phenylene biacetal architecture, overcoming the longstanding industrial trade‐offs between scalable synthesis, processability, high in‐service performance, chemical recyclability, and long‐term stability. The resins are prepared through one‐pot scalable synthesis (≥200 g), producing liquid monomers compatible with vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARI) with processing windows exceeding 60 min at 55°C. The resulting networks exhibit strong thermal–mechanical properties ( T g = 119°C–136°C, tensile strength ≥72 MPa) and significantly improved impact resistance (+83% vs. commercial bisphenol A epoxy), together with excellent durability, including negligible creep at 180°C and stable properties after prolonged hygrothermal aging (60°C/90% RH, 32 days). Dormant dynamic acetal linkages enable weak‐acid‐triggered deconstruction at room temperature, allowing 100% nondestructive carbon‐fiber recovery and >80% recovery of high‐purity monomeric precursors. Artificial‐intelligence‐assisted life‐cycle assessment indicates a 45%–56% reduction in cradle‐to‐grave CO 2 emissions compared with conventional CFRP disposal, with a total resource reutilization/upcycling rate excee...