Feasibility of infusion processing for carbon fiber/vitrimeric epoxy composites

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are highly valued for their exceptional mechanical properties and lightweight nature, but their environmental impact due to non-recyclable thermosetting matrices remains a critical challenge. This study explores the feasibility of integrating vitrimeric epoxy resins with carbon fibers using an infusion process to create sustainable and high-performance composites. Vitrimers, characterized by dynamic covalent bonds, enable recyclability, reprocessability, and repairability while maintaining structural integrity. In the present paper a vitrimer based on commercial epoxy system has been formulated. The vitrimer has been successfully employed for preparing carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) by liquid moulding technique, finally the vitrimer and the CFRP have been tested by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The interface between epoxy vitrimers and carbon fibre was strong, resulting in a CFRP with a modulus of 11 GPa and a tan δ of 0.0089 at 35°C, consistent with structural composites. The reinforcement slightly reduced the mobility of the vitrimer.