Vitrimers represent a new class of polymers based on dynamically exchangeable imine-linked polymer networks. Like thermosets, vitrimers are highly crosslinked network polymers. However, unlike thermosets which are permanently in a fixed form after curing, vitrimer chemistry yields a product that can be remolded. When heated above the glass transition temperature, the fully cured network polymer undergoes rapid dynamic covalent bond exchange within the polymer network. This allows for facile processing of thermoset materials that after being fully cured can be heated and reshaped. Upon cooling, the materials retain thermoset-like mechanical performance.

Vitrimer resins can give you the best of both thermoplastic and thermoset worlds.Vitrimer resins have the mechanical properties of thermosets and remoldability and more efficient recyclability of thermoplastics.

If we define the A-stage of an epoxy resin in which the material is flowing and soluble in certain solvents, the A-stage vitrimer resin is nearly indistinguishable to the A-stage of epoxy resins, making it easy to infuse with a pot life consistent with traditional epoxy resins (~6 h).

The B-stage of Mallinda’s vitrimer prepregs is different from traditional prepregs. In a traditional B-stage epoxy resin material, B-stage is identified as the point at which the material retains tack. To remain tacky, the resin is left partially uncured to enable molding. With a vitrimer resin, the material at B-stage can be fully cured (all of the epoxy crosslinked and reacted) and the material molded simply upon heating to the glass transition temperature. Therefore, vitrimer resin-based prepregs at B-stage are dry and tackless.

The materials should be stored at room temperature (25°C) in a sealed container or bag.

Mallinda’s resin can be recovered using reagents utilized in the resin synthesis. This is key to (1) allowing a cradle-to-cradle, energy-neutral system for the recovery of resin and woven/full-length fiber that does not require the use of heat nor the introduction of any additional chemical components outside of our formulations for recycling; (2) enabling full recovery and re-usability of our resin. This is quite different from solvolysis, which only works to recover resin from uncured (B-staged) prepreg by the introduction of an organic solvent. This can result in generating additional chemical waste and will not work on materials that have been exposed to heat or air and have begun to cure. Pyrolysis uses excessive heat to burn away resin and allows for the recovery of shredded short fiber carbon fiber.