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Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , A combined chemo-enzymatic treatment for the oxidation of epoxy-based carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs)(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025-10-31); ; ; Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), particularly epoxy-based composites, have become essential in the aerospace, automotive, and wind energy industries due to their robust mechanical properties, and lightweight nature. However, there is a lack of recycling technologies that are environmentally sustainable while also ensuring the recovery of carbon fibers in their original state. Although certain bacterial and fungal strains can colonize epoxy polymers, enzymes capable of efficiently degrading these materials have not yet been reported. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an effective, sustainable, and biologically inspired solution for CFRP recycling. Here, a chemo-enzymatic two-step oxidation process was developed. A chemical pre-treatment with propionic acid and hydrogen peroxide was used to recover imbedded carbon fibers. Additionally, three novel bacterial laccases isolated from a European spruce bark beetle gut metagenome (Ips typographus) demonstrated the ability to oxidize three epoxy resin scaffolds derived from TGMDA-based epoxy resin system, a high-performance material commonly used in aerospace applications. The sequential combination of both oxidative steps enabled the retrieval of clean carbon fibers and showed the potential of the laccase to partially further modify the pre-treated cured epoxy. This bio-inspired approach marks an initial step toward developing a bio-based recycling method for epoxy CFRPs.Publicationtype: Journal Article57 15 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Towards sustainable recycling of epoxy-based polymers : approaches and challenges of epoxy biodegradation(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023-06-12); ; ; Epoxy resins are highly valued for their remarkable mechanical and chemical properties and are extensively used in various applications such as coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced composites in lightweight construction. Composites are especially important for the development and implementation of sustainable technologies such as wind power, energy-efficient aircrafts, and electric cars. Despite their advantages, their non-biodegradability raises challenges for the recycling of polymer and composites in particular. Conventional methods employed for epoxy recycling are characterized by their high energy consumption and the utilization of toxic chemicals, rendering them rather unsustainable. Recent progress has been made in the field of plastic biodegradation, which is considered more sustainable than energy-intensive mechanical or thermal recycling methods. However, the current successful approaches in plastic biodegradation are predominantly focused on polyester-based polymers, leaving more recalcitrant plastics underrepresented in this area of research. Epoxy polymers, characterized by their strong cross-linking and predominantly ether-based backbone, exhibit a highly rigid and durable structure, placing them within this category. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to examine the various approaches that have been employed for the biodegradation of epoxy so far. Additionally, the paper sheds light on the analytical techniques utilized in the development of these recycling methods. Moreover, the review addresses the challenges and opportunities entailed in epoxy recycling through bio-based approaches.Publicationtype: Journal ArticleScopus© Citations 7 60 126