The future of recycling hinges on materials designed to enable repair, reshaping and separation of multi-material structures after use. Thermoset resins, commonly used in composite manufacturing, are known for their durability and strength. However, their resistance to repair and recycling has long been a challenge. A novel solution developed by Allnex is changing that by improving the repairability and recyclability of thermoset composites, enabling them to be reused and recycled more efficiently.
Thermoset resins, once hardened, are typically difficult to form and weld. Allnex’s innovation addresses this, enabling welding of thermoset materials, which has the potential to significantly extend the lifetime of products using these resins. This technology makes it easier to repair components, leading to longer-lasting application in sectors ranging from automotive to electronics.
Allnex has also developed innovative resins that enable the recycling of fibres from polymer fibre composites. By de-crosslinking and dissolving the resin matrix, it is possible to recover the reinforcing fibres, which can then be reused in new products, reducing the need for virgin materials and promoting a more circular economy.
A further breakthrough in the end-of-life management of goods coated with thermoset resins comes with a debonding technique that can trigger a change in the resin’s structure using pH or heat. This makes it possible for primers and even printing inks to peel off, leaving behind the underlying substrate (such as plastic) in a cleaner state for easier recycling. This is particularly important in the packaging sector, where the industry has to fulfil ambitious recycling targets.
These innovations not only help reduce waste but also enable the recycling and reuse of materials that were previously difficult to re-process. They represent an important step forward in enhancing the sustainability of products that rely on composite materials and thermoset resins.
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