Recyclable Epoxy-Anhydride Polymer

Abstract

A crosslinked polymeric composition comprising the following components: (i) a matrix comprising an epoxy-anhydride crosslinked polymer containing a multiplicity of ester linkages resulting from reaction between epoxy-containing and anhydride-containing molecules; and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solid filler component integrated into component (i) and engaged in dynamic reversible covalent crosslinking with component (i) by a reversible exchange reaction between the ester linkages and hydroxy groups in the hydroxy-containing solid filler; wherein the crosslinked polymeric composition behaves as a thermoset up to a temperature X and behaves as a processible thermoplastic at a temperature greater than X. Also described herein is a method for producing the above composition comprising combining and mixing the following components: (a) epoxy-containing molecules, (b) anhydride-containing molecules, (c) a hydroxy-containing solid filler, and (d) a catalyst that promotes curing between epoxy and anhydride groups, followed by heating of the resultant mixture to a temperature of least 100° C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.