Multiple promotion effect of mixed solvents on the oxidative degradation of thermosetting polymers

Abstract

The solvent effect has been widely explored in small molecule reactions. However, understanding of the solvent effect on the degradation of thermosetting polymers, especially when it comes to mixed solvents, remains largely elusive. Here the effect of mixed solvents on the oxidative degradation of typical epoxy thermosets is presented. An enhancement effect of the swelling and diffusion was observed in mixed solvents of water and organic solvents, with a higher interaction energy. Besides, the introduction of an organic solvent can enhance the oxidation activities of an oxidant cerium ammonium nitrate aqueous solution. The multiple effects greatly promote the degradation of epoxy thermosets and complete degradation was even achieved at room temperature. This unconventional result reveals the synergistic effects of mixed solvents in polymer degradation and opens a new insight on polymer recycling. It is expected to guide polymers to achieve high value-added recovery and conversion with low energy consumption.